Is One Vanderbilt New York Worth It

One Vanderbilt: A Beacon of Modernity, Prestige in Manhattan

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is famed for its skyscrapers, bustling streets, and timeless icons. From the Empire State Building to the Freedom Tower, every structure tells a story. Among the latest giants gracing Manhattan’s skyline is One Vanderbilt, a glittering tower of glass and steel that has become one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.

But what makes One Vanderbilt so famous? Is it really worth the hype? Why is it considered prestigious, and who actually occupies its soaring floors? Let’s take a deep dive into this architectural marvel and uncover why One Vanderbilt is more than just another high-rise.

The Rise of One Vanderbilt: A New Icon in Midtown

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, directly adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, One Vanderbilt rises to an impressive 1,401 feet (427 meters), making it one of the tallest buildings in New York City. It officially opened in September 2020, after years of meticulous planning and development by SL Green Realty Corp.

The building spans 77 floors, with a total of 1.7 million square feet of office space. But One Vanderbilt is not merely an office tower, it is a symbol of a new era for Midtown, designed to merge functionality with aesthetics and innovation with elegance.

From the outset, One Vanderbilt was conceived not just as a commercial venture but as a civic and urban project. It enhances the Grand Central area with significant infrastructure improvements, new public spaces, and world-class amenities. The goal? To create a new landmark that aligns with New York’s future while honoring its past.

Why Is One Vanderbilt So Famous?

There are multiple reasons why One Vanderbilt stands out among the many skyscrapers of Manhattan:

1. Architectural Excellence

Designed by the world-renowned architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), One Vanderbilt features a sleek and tapering form that distinguishes it on the skyline. Its design is modern, yet it pays subtle homage to iconic New York towers like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.

The building’s unique stepped profile and its spire make it instantly recognizable. It’s not just tall; it’s elegant, sustainable, and integrated beautifully into its environment.

2. Strategic Location

One Vanderbilt is directly connected to Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest and most historic transportation hubs in the world. This is not only a logistical advantage for commuters, but it also places the building at a critical intersection of business, tourism, and culture.

3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Perhaps the most famous feature for the general public is the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt experience, a multi-level observation and immersive art space that opened in October 2021. Located on the top floors, SUMMIT offers 360-degree panoramic views of the New York skyline, along with reflective art installations and glass skyboxes that allow visitors to step out into the sky, literally.

This experience has gone viral on social media and is a major tourist attraction. With mind-bending mirrored rooms, immersive multimedia art, and sky-high views, SUMMIT has redefined the observation deck concept.

4. Infrastructure Investment

As part of the development agreement with the city, SL Green invested over $220 million in public infrastructure upgrades, including expanded subway access, new entrances to Grand Central, and wider sidewalks. This civic-minded approach contributed significantly to One Vanderbilt’s reputation.

Why Is One Vanderbilt Considered Prestigious?

The prestige of One Vanderbilt comes from a combination of design, location, tenant profile, sustainability, and amenities.

1. Tenant Roster of Elite Companies

The companies occupying One Vanderbilt are among the world’s most influential and high-profile organizations. Some notable tenants include:

TD Bank (One of Canada’s largest financial institutions)
Carlyle Group (Global investment firm)
McDermott Will & Emery (Top-tier international law firm)
Greenberg Traurig (Major law firm)
MFA Financial
SL Green Realty Corp. (Developer and anchor tenant)

These companies chose One Vanderbilt for its state-of-the-art facilities, LEED-certified green building status, prime location, and access to global talent in New York City.

2. World-Class Amenities

Tenants enjoy some of the most luxurious amenities of any office building in the city, including:

A dedicated tenant-exclusive restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud
Private dining and event spaces
Fitness centers
High-speed elevators (fastest in the Western Hemisphere)
Smart building systems for air purification, energy use, and security

This elevated work environment contributes to the building’s appeal as a prestigious workplace.

3. Environmental Responsibility

One Vanderbilt is LEED Gold certified, meaning it meets rigorous environmental and energy efficiency standards. The developers took significant measures to ensure sustainable construction and operations, including advanced air filtration, water-saving systems, and energy-efficient lighting.

Is One Vanderbilt Worth It?

The answer depends on your perspective.

For Tenants and Businesses:

Yes, One Vanderbilt is worth every penny. It provides premium-grade office space in a prime Midtown location. It attracts talent, impresses clients, and positions companies as forward-thinking and elite.

Rents are among the highest in the city, but for companies seeking the best in class infrastructure, amenities, and location, the value proposition is compelling.

For Tourists and Visitors:

Again, yes, the SUMMIT experience is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s not just another observation deck. It’s an immersive, art-meets-technology-meets-architecture adventure that’s worth the ticket price for the thrill, the views, and the Instagram-worthy moments.

For the City and Community:

The project added immense value through infrastructure improvements and the integration of public spaces. Its public-private model is increasingly seen as a blueprint for future developments.

Can You Go Up One Vanderbilt?

Absolutely. The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck is open to the public. Visitors can take high-speed glass elevators to the upper floors and experience the spectacular views from multiple vantage points. Some highlights include:

Air: A multi-sensory mirrored space by artist Kenzo Digital
Levitation: Glass skyboxes that protrude from the side of the building
Ascent: External glass elevators that rise 1,200 feet above Madison Avenue
Après: A rooftop lounge and cafe with indoor and outdoor seating

Tickets are available online, and pricing varies depending on time, age, and add-ons. Evening visits offer stunning sunsets and nighttime views, while daytime visits showcase the sprawling urban grid below.

Is One Vanderbilt Free to Enter?

No, One Vanderbilt is not free to enter, at least not for the general public areas such as the SUMMIT.

Here’s a breakdown:

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt charges admission. Standard adult tickets start around $42–$53, with additional fees for extras like elevator access and cocktails.
The lobby and public transit areas are accessible to the public, but you cannot access the office areas or observatory without a ticket or credential.
Occasionally, public art or cultural events may be hosted in adjacent public plazas or lobbies, which can be free to enjoy.

So while you can enter the building itself and enjoy some of the ground-floor architecture, the full One Vanderbilt experience, including the view, is ticketed.

What Is the Top Floor of One Vanderbilt?

The top floors of One Vanderbilt are dedicated to the SUMMIT observation experience, which spans from the 91st to the 93rd floor.

Here’s what you’ll find:

91st Floor: Main observation deck space, reflective rooms, and art installations.
92nd Floor: Glass boxes (“Levitation”) and mirrored floors for those heart-pounding Instagram shots.
93rd Floor: Rooftop terrace, lounge, and bar area known as Après, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy the view.

It’s not just a look-out, it’s a curated experience that blends art, thrill, and luxury.

The Future of Midtown: One Vanderbilt’s Lasting Impact

One Vanderbilt isn’t just a standalone success story. It has sparked a Midtown revitalization movement, encouraging new investments, zoning changes, and a reimagining of how commercial buildings interact with the urban environment.

Plans are already in motion for nearby projects like Tower Fifth and Project Commodore (the potential supertall replacing the Grand Hyatt), which are following the trail blazed by One Vanderbilt.

In essence, One Vanderbilt is a model of how modern skyscrapers can be ambitious, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Is One Vanderbilt Worth the Hype?

Undoubtedly, yes.

Whether you’re a corporate executive seeking a prestigious office space, a tourist in search of breathtaking views, or an architecture enthusiast admiring innovation, One Vanderbilt delivers.

Its thoughtful design, civic contributions, iconic views, and elite tenant list make it more than just a tall building. It’s a statement of what the future of cities can look like, smart, sustainable, and awe-inspiring.

So, if you’re ever in New York, take the elevator ride. Look out over Manhattan. Feel the city pulse beneath your feet. And realize: this is One Vanderbilt, a new symbol of New York’s enduring ambition.