Foster + Partners-Crafted Skyscraper Ranks as Sixth Tallest in NYC
Earlier this month, 270 Park Avenue made its debut in New York, shining brightly against the skyline. Although Manhattan is renowned for its tall skyscrapers, this particular structure stands apart: it serves as JPMorgan’s new global headquarters and is the sixth-tallest building in the city.
Crafted by the esteemed architecture firm Foster + Partners, 270 Park reaches a height of 1,388 feet, towering over the neighboring MetLife and Chrysler buildings. The 60-story high-rise features a distinctive silhouette, reminiscent of a mountain range that converges to a singular peak. To enhance this architectural grandeur, 270 Park is adorned with glass curtain walls and bronze accents, which soften what would otherwise be a more severe facade. What further sets 270 Park apart is its triangular bracing, allowing the structure to delicately rest on the ground across the entire block, giving an impression of floating. This bracing not only adds elegance but also serves a practical role, elevating the tower approximately 80 feet off the ground. Consequently, a wider viewpoint is created, expanding visibility from the Park Avenue entrance all the way to Madison Avenue.
Within, these recognizable triangle patterns are echoed. Large, V-shaped columns extend through the lobby, which features a flag installation at its center with an artificial “breeze” mimicking a flapping motion. A grand staircase and mezzanine enhance the area, accompanied by ramps and lifts to promote accessibility. Directly above the lobby are eight spacious trading floors, while higher levels include additional trading spaces, offices, facilities, and community hubs.
“In terms of leisure, entertainment, and lifestyle, I believe every level of this tower surpasses our previous endeavors,” architect Norman Foster shared with the Wall Street Journal in a recent interview.
Indeed, 270 Park offers its 10,000 employees a range of amenities including an English pub, a gym, and a medical office, as well as a Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, a cafe that delivers protein shakes from an Airstream trailer, and spaces for meditation. These features appear to act as a draw for employees to return to the office, especially in light of the rise in remote work during and post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“We view the building as a recruitment tool,” stated David Arena, the head of global corporate real estate at JPMorgan, in a talk with CNBC. “A workplace has to be a destination, it needs to be worth the commute. It must offer an enhanced experience for employees, clients, and guests.”
Beyond its “commute-worthy” attractions, 270 Park is also a model of sustainability. The headquarters is recognized as New York’s largest all-electric tower with net zero operational emissions, bolstered by its “wellbeing-focused design,” as stated by the firm. Overall, the building achieves an outdoor air ventilation rate of 40 cubic feet per minute per person, which is double the standard minimum outdoor air ventilation rate. Terraces promote moments of rest and tranquility, while circadian lighting aligns with natural human rhythms. Additionally, 97% of demolition materials have been recycled, reused, or upcycled. “It is the workplace of the future created for today,” Foster remarked in a statement.
During a visit to New York, our editor-in-chief, Eugene Kim, had the opportunity to observe the new tower. “Experiencing JPMorgan’s new tower in person on Park Avenue is a remarkable sight,” he said. “Its vast scale and staggered design create a striking architectural presence, contributing to the enduring beauty of New York City’s skyline.”
To find out more about 270 Park Avenue, visit the Foster + Partners website.