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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt architecture | Redefining skyscrapers in NYC

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt isn’t just one of the tallest observation decks in New York, it’s also a feat of modern architecture. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the skyscraper fuses sustainability, transparency, and civic purpose into a soaring, sculptural statement that complements the historic Grand Central Terminal just below.

Quick Facts: The basics before you look up

Aerial view of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York City with surrounding skyscrapers.
  • Architectural style: Neo-Futurist / Contemporary
  • Height: 1,401 feet (427 meters)
  • Designers: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
  • Opened: 2020
  • Location: Adjacent to Grand Central Terminal
  • Observation deck floors: 91–93
More fascinating facts about SUMMIT

Architectural style: Modernism with a New York soul

Summit One Vanderbilt observation deck illuminated at night, New York City skyline view.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends bold, modern design with NYC’s architectural roots. Its glassy, sky-high form nods to icons like the Chrysler Building, while mirrored spaces like Air turn architecture into an immersive, futuristic experience. It’s a tower that reflects the past, but dreams forward, into the clouds.

What makes SUMMIT’s design so iconic? Let’s break it down

Summit One Vanderbilt aerial view at sunset, New York City skyline.

The tapered silhouette

This design, with its sculptural, tapering form that narrows as it rises, respects Grand Central Terminal’s visibility while maximizing height.

Glass elevator ascending inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, New York City, offering panoramic views.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt interior with panoramic views of New York City skyline.
Four people on a glass platform at Summit One Vanderbilt, New York City.
Visitors engaging with interactive displays at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, New York City.

What makes SUMMIT’s architecture a game-changer in NYC

Not just tall, it’s transformative

One Vanderbilt is famous not just for its height but for how it reimagines the role of a skyscraper in city life.

A vertical extension of the city

The building doesn't just house offices and tourists, it connects directly to Grand Central, introduces public spaces at great heights, and blends immersive art into its very walls.

Where art & architecture merge

From mirrored chambers to immersive installations, SUMMIT’s fame also stems from the bold way it integrates art, structure, and urban planning.

A fluid space

Unlike older observation decks, SUMMIT isn’t a static viewing platform. The experience structure creates an unpredictable, sensory journey through reflection, light, and space.

Behind the scenes: How SUMMIT took shape over the years

  • Phase 1: Vision & approval (2012–2015)
    It all started with Midtown East’s rezoning. The vision? A modern skyscraper that would connect seamlessly to Grand Central and improve public transit access with help from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

  • Phase 2: Groundbreaking & core structure (2016–2019)
    Once the foundation was dug, the steel skeleton and tiered setbacks began to climb. By 2019, the tower had officially topped out at 1,401 feet.

  • Phase 3: Interior & observatory build-out (2019–2020)
    Ultra-fast elevators, mirrored chambers, and interactive exhibits like Kenzo Digital’s Air started taking shape.

  • Phase 4: Public opening (2021)
    Despite pandemic delays, SUMMIT launched in 2021, debuting immersive art installations that made headlines worldwide.

Those who brought SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to life

Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox

Global architecture firm KPF led the design of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, known for creating innovative skyscrapers that balance boldness with urban sensitivity. Their vision was to craft a tower that speaks to New York’s architectural legacy while pushing its skyline forward, both literally and symbolically.

Developed by SL Green Realty Corp

SL Green envisioned a project that would transform Midtown, not just with height, but with accessibility, sustainability, and public engagement at its core. Their commitment resulted in a tower that connects seamlessly to Grand Central while setting new standards for green engineering and civic integration.

Under the hood: What makes One Vanderbilt’s structure tick

Observation deck view of New York City skyline from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

The tower's steel frame and reinforced concrete core are designed for maximum wind resistance and stability. The building tapers upward in a series of setbacks, a nod to NYC’s classic skyscraper silhouette.

Façade: Curtain wall system with high-performance glass
Height: 1,401 ft to pinnacle
Floors: 93 total; observatory on levels 91–93
LEED certification: Gold-level for sustainability

How SUMMIT’s exterior shapes the cityscape

A tower that reflects the city

One Vanderbilt’s angular glass façade mirrors the skyline during the day and transforms into a glowing beacon at night, making it a standout on the Midtown horizon.

Designed around Grand Central

The east side of the building deliberately steps back from Grand Central, preserving the historic station’s presence and letting both icons shine.

Different views from every angle

Whether you're on the commuter-heavy east or the bustling west side, each face of the tower interacts with its surroundings in a unique way.

The crown that tops it all

SUMMIT’s crystalline crown gives the skyscraper its sparkle, an elegant capstone that adds a futuristic edge to New York’s skyline.

Step inside to discover the magic within

The interior architecture redefines what it means to be “inside” a skyscraper:

  • Air by Kenzo Digital: Featuring mirror-lined chambers that multiply your reflection and the skyline, Air creates a dreamlike, infinite visual experience.
  • Levitation: These thrilling glass-floored skyboxes extend out from the building’s edge, letting you step out into the sky and test your nerves.
  • Unity room: Anchored by a massive floating silver balloon sculpture, the Unity* space blends playful design with dramatic scale, inviting reflection and awe in equal measure.
  • Après Lounge: A sleek, Scandinavian-inspired space, Après offers panoramic views and a refined atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the sensory intensity of the observation floors.

​Explore what’s inside SUMMIT One Vanderbilt >

Experiencing the architecture in person

Woman seeing her many reflections through the immerive experience at AIR

Walking into SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is like stepping into another dimension. Light ricochets off mirrored surfaces, and the city stretches infinitely in every direction. It's part gallery, part architectural marvel, and entirely unforgettable.

As you rise in the glass elevator, New York reveals itself floor by floor. Then, the doors open to a space that feels both vast and intimate, where architecture becomes interaction.

The best way to experience SUMMIT is on a guided tour, where you have an expert by your side who will explain the design choices behind every curve and reflection.

Frequently asked questions about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s architecture

It blends bold height with immersive art, sustainability, and civic connectivity, making it one of the most innovative observation decks in the world.

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