Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, New York City produced a glut of iconic skyscrapers. The Big Apple's newest supertall skyscraper draws inspiration from this golden era with a design that references Art Deco classics like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, One Vanderbilt Avenue has begun construction and will rise to a total height of 1,401 ft (427 m), making it one of the tallest buildings in the city.
The tower's form comprises four angled rectangular parts that rise to different heights, topped by a spire. Inside, the building will feature mostly high-end office space, in addition to restaurant and retail areas.
The project is located in midtown Manhattan, next to Grand Central Terminal, and takes up an entire city block. Developer SL Green Realty Corp agreed to invest US$220 million in improvements to the area's transportation infrastructure following some legal wrangling concerning Grand Central Terminal's air rights.
The infrastructure improvements aren't just a sop to city planners, but will actually make a significant difference to the local area. They include building a large new transit hall, a 14,000 sq ft (1,300 sq m) pedestrian plaza, and improved access for commuters both into and out of Grand Central Terminal.
One Vanderbilt's developers are aiming for LEED Platinum certification (a green building code) for the project, though we've no other information regarding the sustainable design and tech planned at this stage. We've also no official word on its overall cost – but you should expect it to be measured in billions, not millions, of dollars.
Construction is due to be completed sometime in 2020.
Source: Kohn Pedersen Fox
