Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates' first skyscrapers in New York will soon be breaking ground on the west side, and now the Journal is reporting that the mega-firm is also working on the designs for a skyscraper that could rise one block from Grand Central between 42nd and 43rd Streets. Developer SL Green is behind the project, which could occupy 1.4 million square feet and be one of the largest towers built on the East Side in this generation. But the building is still years away from groundbreaking, as it would need dozens of approvals.
If the proposed Midtown East rezoning is approved, SL Green would also need to design an "iconic" building and buy additional development rights from the city. This money would go towards transportation improvements, something that KPF and SL Green are already thinking about. Discussions have already started about building underground pedestrian connectors from the building to Grand Central. Reps from KPF, SL Green, and the MTA all declined to comment for the Journal's story.
· Designer's Chance in Midtown [WSJ]
· Midtown East Rezoning coverage [Curbed]
Grand Central photo by Paul Ker/Curbed Flickr pool
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