More Renderings of SOM’s Grand Central Station Plan!

The full details behind SOM’s vision to revamp Grand Central Station and its surroundings were released yesterday at the Municipal Art Society’s event, ‘The Next 100’. More importantly, renderings of the project were also unveiled. It must be stressed that the project is only a vision, and the re-zoning of Midtown East hasn’t even occurred yet.

Grand Central Halo Observation Deck
The Grand Central Halo at the top of the towers: Image from SOM
Still, what has been seen is simply stunning. Whether you think the ‘observation halo’ is a gimmick or not, the structure of the deck is simply amazing and would offer unparalleled views of the city. The renderings show how the halo moves up and down throughout the day, as well. Nothing like it exists on Earth!
SOM Halo Obs Deck
The Halo’s connection to the skyscrapers: Image from SOM
The actual office towers in the renderings are less inspiring than the halo, rising roughly 1,200 feet. That’s certainly large, but they wouldn’t even rank in New York’s top five towers come 2020. The western tower’s design appears unoriginal as well, and is definitely reminiscent of the Lord Foster-designed Hermitage Plaza towers, in Paris. 
It would be nice if the buildings built as part of the Midtown re-zoning are just as revolutionary and ambitious as SOM’s observation halo. The halo is unlike anything else on Earth, and should serve as a model of the kind of ideas needed to see Midtown East maintain its status as New York’s premiere business district. All new projects in Midtown East should be exercises in exceptionalism once the re-zoning is finalized. 
SOM Obs Halo
SOM’s Grand Central Plan: Image from SOM

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2 Comments on "More Renderings of SOM’s Grand Central Station Plan!"

  1. This could be New York City’s milestone! Even if the ring doesn’t get built, the towers would clearly make up for it, especially if they rise over 1400 feet instead of 1200.

  2. Kerry McElwain | July 30, 2013 at 8:14 am |

    SHANGHAI, DUBAI, HONG KONG, BEJING WATCH OUT! GOD HAS GIVEN AMERICA A SECOND CHANCE!!!
    THANK YOU JESUS
    “IN GOD WE TRUST”!!!
    WHAT DO YOU TRUST IN?
    HA

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