The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is reviewing a proposal for modifications to 150 East 42nd Street, a 45-story office skyscraper in Midtown, Manhattan. Designed by MdeAS Architects and Higgins Quasebarth Partners and developed by RXR, the project focuses on upgrades to the building’s ground-floor entrances along East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. The scope of work is limited to the entry areas, with no changes proposed to the tower or broader base of the building.
150 East 42nd Street, via LPC proposal.
The proposed work centers on improving visibility, accessibility, and overall conditions at the entrances. Existing conditions, as outlined in the presentation, include limited transparency due to solid stainless steel elements, insufficient lighting, and vestibule depths that do not meet ADA requirements. Additional issues include deteriorated granite finishes and weathered stainless steel components. The design aims to address these concerns through the introduction of expanded glass storefront systems, replacement of entry doors and revolving doors, and upgraded lighting integrated into existing ceiling conditions.
Rendering of proposed changes at 150 East 42nd Street, via LPC proposal.
Along East 42nd Street, the proposal calls for removing portions of the existing enclosure and installing new glass transoms and sidelights to increase transparency into the lobby. The entrance configuration will maintain the existing footprint and curved geometry while incorporating new glass revolving doors and ADA-compliant swing doors. Stainless steel elements will be cleaned or replaced in kind, and new lighting fixtures will be added within existing apertures to improve illumination. Similar interventions are proposed for the Lexington Avenue entrance, including revised storefront glazing, lighting upgrades, and signage adjustments, while retaining the historic features.
Rendering of proposed changes at 150 East 42nd Street, via LPC proposal.
The property is located directly adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, which provides access to the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains, as well as Metro-North Railroad service.
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Why is this landmarked? Let them improve their entrances.
This seems like a prime candidate for a future residential conversion.
IMHO, the neighboring Chanin Bldg. is equally, if not more, suitable for residential conversion.
The Chanin Building is sublime. Any pre-AC buildings would make easy residential conversions while saving them for future generations.
Yes The Chanin Bldg is sublime and it would be a great conversion to residential.
this the former Mobil building (I think, before they split town) is an individual landmark and the Roosevelt hotel is not ?
Landmarked? Tear it down