The massive modernization and redevelopment of Class A office building 22 Vanderbilt is nearing its completion. Owned by Milstein Properties, the 1.1 million-square-foot Midtown tower with direct underground access to Grand Central Terminal, is receiving over 275,000 square feet of hospitality-driven amenity spaces and services designed by SHoP Architects. Formerly known as 335 Madison, 22 Vanderbilt is among the most sought-after office buildings in New York City due to its direct connections to transit hubs, upgraded building system, and expansive amenity package. Since its rebranding in early 2023, over 120,000 square feet of leases have been signed, including one of Midtown’s largest new leases in 2023 with global public relations firm Joele Frank.
This summer, Milstein Properties announced a strategic partnership with Brookfield Properties to complete the lease-up of 22 Vanderbilt alongside CBRE and support asset management. The redevelopment offers prospective tenants an array of diverse workspaces, ranging from 5,000-square-foot pre-built suites to full floors to the Grand Central Penthouse, a unique, triplex space connected by a series of outdoor terraces overlooking the iconic train hall.
The chef’s counter at Melangerie, phase 1 of the larger culinary market concept. Image by Yvonne Albinowski
Boardroom with views of Grand Central at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Volley Studio for Fogarty Finger
The Clock coffee shop at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Rachel Vanni
Noteworthy updates to 22 Vanderbilt include The Palm Court, a new enhanced lobby with verdant greenery and array of soft seating set beneath building’s signature 29-story central atrium. There is also the Wellness Center, a fitness and wellness club with spa, cardio, and group classrooms; on-site concierge healthcare, boutique, and personal training; and True Spec Golf. For gathering, tenants can use The Terrace, a block-long outdoor landscaped deck for relaxing, socializing, and working that overlooks Grand Central Terminal. Indoors, the Conference Center, a state-of-the-art venue with double-height ceilings, picturesque views over Grand Central Station, and Gensler-designed spaces for guest speakers, board meetings, and multi-day events with in-house production studio for tenant content creation, including podcasts and video.
The Perch, member’s club at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Blaine Davis
View of The Perch from the lobby at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Blaine Davis
Pantry in Fogarty Finger-designed pre-built full floor office. Image by Volley Studio for Fogarty Finger
Tenants will have access to a fully in-house, on-site hospitality team that manages events, catering, and programming. An exclusive tenant app digitally handles guest admission, reservations, and food delivery direct to offices from the building’s full-service kitchen. In addition, there will be three new dining options in the building: The Clock, specialty coffee shop in lobby; Bergamo’s, a cocktail lounge with vaulted ceilings; The Melangerie, an all-day three-story dining hall with chef-driven concepts ranging from grab-and-go salads and sandwiches to sushi.
Structural upgrades include new cooling towers; modernized elevators cabs and mechanicals; all peerless condenser water pumps; HVAC; new Class E fire system; and new points of entry. The entire building received a technology overhaul with a new DAS network that includes all four major carriers; top-tier SLA-based fiber-optic internet providers for primary and backup circuits; new fiber and power backup; custom IT and network solutions; and on-site help desk.
The Palm Court lobby at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Yvonne Albinowski
Wellness and fitness center at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by SHoP Architects
Bergamo’s cocktail lounge at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Rachel Vanni
Gensler-designed Conference Center at 22 Vanderbilt. Image by Gensler
Already completed is the lobby, the outdoor terrace, the majority of the dining establishments, and all the building and technology systems. In July 2023, Milstein completed construction and received TCO for the Wellness Center and Phase Two of the Melangerie, which will open sometime in late 2023 or the first quarter of 2024. Milstein is expected to begin construction soon on the conference center, which will open in 2024. Total completion of 22 Vanderbilt is slated for the first quarter of 2024. Brookfield’s Duncan McCuaig, PJ Massey, and Dave Caperna will partner with CBRE’s Paul Amrich, Neil King, Jeff Fischer, Sacha Zarba, and Meghan Allen on the leasing efforts.
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Exterior views?
They didn’t change the exterior from the 1983 renovation – it’s still the same 80’s dark brown glossy granite and dark windows. Even on the building’s new website they don’t show the exterior, almost as if they’re ashamed of it (as they should be).
First commercial office building offering an “in-house production studio for tenant content creation, including podcasts and video” that I know of.
All of this big to do, and office workers still won’t want to come in most days.
We need a recession to reset.
Rooting for a recession—bold stance.
The room was shaded by lofty beams also I indicated that decorated, as soft seating and shelf put in space on action starts to the last at which a wooden. So beautiful from my views to the room set apart, and adapted for keeping in touch of lighting. Look at enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling! Thank you.
So, eight months and only 12/27ths of this fabulous building is leased.
Great time for a new office building. 🙁