One Vanderbilt

One Vanderbilt. It is a supertall skyscraper and commercial office tower adjacent to Grand Central Terminal in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. Completed in 2020, the building rises 1,401 feet, making it one of the tallest structures in the United States and a defining feature of the Manhattan skyline. The project was developed by SL Green Realty as a centerpiece of the ongoing revitalization of the Grand Central district.

History and development

The site for the tower was assembled through a complex series of air rights purchases and zoning negotiations, facilitated by a 2012 rezoning of the Grand Central area by the New York City Department of City Planning. The development agreement involved SL Green Realty, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the New York City Council, allowing for a larger building in exchange for substantial public realm improvements. Key to the project's approval was a landmark agreement to fund critical upgrades to the surrounding transit infrastructure, including Grand Central Terminal and the adjacent New York City Subway stations. The project broke ground in 2016 following the demolition of several older buildings, including the former Bank of America tower at 335 Madison Avenue.

Architecture and design

The tower was designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, with interiors by Snøhetta. Its form is characterized by a tapered, crystalline silhouette that steps back as it rises, creating a series of terraces and maximizing natural light. The facade utilizes a high-performance curtain wall system with minimalistic mullions, contributing to its sleek, modern appearance. The crown of the building is illuminated at night, adding a distinctive element to the skyline. The design intentionally creates a visual dialogue with nearby historic landmarks like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, while its base is integrated with a new public plaza and direct access to Grand Central Terminal.

Construction and engineering

Construction was managed by the general contractor AECOM, with WSP Global serving as the structural engineer. The project employed innovative engineering techniques to build on a tight site above active railroad tracks and subway tunnels belonging to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The foundation required extensive underpinning and the use of slurry walls to protect the adjacent Grand Central Terminal. The structural system utilizes a reinforced concrete core coupled with a perimeter moment frame, designed to withstand high wind loads. The building also incorporates a tuned mass damper near its top to ensure stability and occupant comfort.

Tenants and amenities

The tower is primarily occupied by prestigious financial and professional services firms. Major anchor tenants include TD Bank, which occupies a significant portion of the space, and the investment firm Carlyle Group. Other notable occupants are the law firm McDermott Will & Emery and the Swiss private bank Julius Baer Group. Amenities for tenants include a high-end dining club operated by Daniel Boulud, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and multiple tenant lounges with panoramic views. The building also features a public observation deck called Summit One Vanderbilt, which has become a major tourist attraction.

Impact and recognition

One Vanderbilt has significantly transformed the eastern section of Midtown Manhattan, catalyzing further development and increasing pedestrian traffic around Grand Central Terminal. Its transit improvements, including a new entrance to the New York City Subway and redesigned pedestrian corridors, have been widely praised. The project has received several prestigious awards, including the Best Tall Building Americas award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. It is considered a benchmark for how large-scale private development can be leveraged to fund vital public infrastructure in dense urban environments like New York City.

Category:Skyscrapers in Manhattan Category:Office buildings completed in 2020