New York City is known for its bright lights and towering skyscrapers, but have you ever wondered just how tall those soaring buildings really are? In this guide, I’ll cover the ten tallest buildings in NYC and some of the interesting history if these architectural marvels. I’m not one for small talk so let’s get to it!
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Tallest Buildings in New York City
Table of Contents: Tallest Buildings NYC
- Tallest Buildings in New York City
- #10. 3 World Trade Center (1,079 ft.)
- #9. Bank of America Tower (1,200 ft.)
- #8. Empire State Building (1,250 ft.)
- #7. 30 Hudson Yards (1,270 ft.)
- #6. 270 Park Avenue | JPMorgan Chase Tower (1,388 ft.)
- #5. 432 Park Avenue (1,397 ft.)
- #4. One Vanderbilt (1,401 ft.)
- #3. 111 West 57th Street | Steinway Tower (1,428 ft.)
- #2. Central Park Tower (1,550 ft.)
- #1. One World Trade Center (1,776 ft.)
- List of New York City’s Tallest Buildings (Post Summary)
- Map of Tall Buildings NYC
#10. 3 World Trade Center (1,079 ft.)
Neighborhood: Financial District
Address: 175 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
3 World Trade Center is one of the newest skyscrapers in New York City. Located in Lower Manhattan, the building is intertwined with the World Trade Center complex. Some folks don’t realize that construction of the original World Trade Center began in 1966.
In the original plans, the stars of the show were the sky-high Twin Towers, which stood as the tallest buildings in the world from 1970 to 1973 (before being surpassed by the Willis Tower in Chicago). Tragically, the Twin Towers were destroyed on September 11, 2001 by terrorist attacks.
The city grappled with a lot of unanswered questions for years after, but eventually plans were made to reconstruct the site. The plans included the construction of the 3 World Trade Center. Designed by architect Richard Rogers, the tower rises to a height of 1,079 feet (329 meters). The building features a striking, asymmetrical design.
Opened in June 2018, 3 World Trade Center became one of the tallest buildings in New York City, serving as a symbol of rebirth following the 9/11 attacks. All in all, the tower’s significance extends beyond its height. It serves as a testament to the city’s strength and determination to keep our sights set to the future.
#9. Bank of America Tower (1,200 ft.)
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: New York, NY 10036
Located at One Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, the Bank of America Tower is a striking addition to the Manhattan skyline and ranks among the tallest buildings in NYC. Rising to a height of 1,200 feet (366 meters), it was completed in 2009.
The building was developed by the Durst Organization and designed by Cook+Fox Architects with sustainability in mind. Don’t just take my word for it, it was awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of environmental performance. The tower includes advanced energy-saving technology like rainwater harvesting and natural daylight optimization.
#8. Empire State Building (1,250 ft.)
Website: Empire State Building
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
The Empire State Building is the most famous building in New York City. Completed in 1931 during the Great Depression, it soared to impressive heights of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), making it the tallest building in the world at the time.
Designed by William F. Lamb of the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, its construction employed thousands of workers and utilized an innovative steel frame structure, allowing it to rise swiftly within a record-breaking 410 days (imagine!).
As one of NYC’s tallest buildings, its distinctive Art Deco style and observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors quickly made it a popular tourist attraction. Despite initial financial struggles, it turned profitable and nobody could imagine the city without this icon in the skyline.
Not only is the Empire State Building one of the tallest buildings in New York City, but it’s also home to one of the best observation decks. Check out All 5 Observation Decks in New York City (Ranked by Locals).
#7. 30 Hudson Yards (1,270 ft.)
Website: 30 Hudson Yards
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
30 Hudson Yards is a prominent skyscraper in New York City, marking a key component of the Hudson Yards development. Completed in 2019, it peaks at a height of 1,270 feet (387 meters). Designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the building is recognized for its unique architecture.
The design includes a distinctive outdoor observation deck, known as “Edge,” which suspends in mid-air from the 100th floor and offers unparalleled views of New York City. It’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
30 Hudson Yards has played a key role in revitalizing and transforming the Hudson Yards area into a dynamic urban space for work, leisure, and living.
#6. 270 Park Avenue | JPMorgan Chase Tower (1,388 ft.)
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 270 Park Ave, New York, NY 10172
270 Park Avenue, also known as the JPMorgan Chase Tower, is currently under construction and set to become one of the tallest buildings in NYC. Upon completion, it’s expected to stand as one of the tallest buildings in the country, with plans indicating a height of 1,388 feet (423 meters).
The skyscraper was designed by Foster + Partners and emphasized sustainability. It replaces the former Union Carbide Building, also previously owned by JPMorgan Chase, and represents a significant investment in both architectural innovation and the future of office space in a post-pandemic world.
#5. 432 Park Avenue (1,397 ft.)
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 432 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022
Reaching heights of 1,397 feet, 432 Park Avenue is one of the tallest residential buildings in New York City (and the entire Western Hemisphere). This skyscraper, designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, is noted for its strikingly slender silhouette and grid-like facade, inspired by a trash can Viñoly saw in his office.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, it offers luxury apartments with panoramic views of the city (the dream!). If you’re interested in living in one of New York City’s tallest buildings and have $6,995,000 to $16,995,000 to spare, it might be time to make the move! 😉
The tower has become a symbol of New York City’s luxury real estate surge, prompting discussions about architecture, wealth, and the city skyline. Its presence signifies the ongoing evolution of NYC’s skyline and the demand for high-end living in skyscrapers.
#4. One Vanderbilt (1,401 ft.)
Website: One Vanderbilt
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017
One Vanderbilt is a soaring skyscraper, standing at 1,401 feet (427 meters)! Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the building boasts a sleek, modern design with a tapering profile that culminates in a distinctive crown.
Construction on One Vanderbilt began in 2016 and was completed in 2020. Developed by SL Green Realty Corp., the building is conveniently located next to Grand Central Terminal, one of New York City’s busiest transportation hubs. One Vanderbilt offers state-of-the-art office space, retail options, and public amenities, enhancing the city’s skyline.
Guests can access the observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt, situated on the 91st to 93rd floors within the building. Nearly every surface is covered in glass and mirrors, making it one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
#3. 111 West 57th Street | Steinway Tower (1,428 ft.)
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 111 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
If you’ve ever taken a stroll through Central Park, you’ve likely caught sight of a peculiar skyscraper that almost looks unfinished. The building in question, 111 West 57th Street, is also known as the Steinway Tower. Standing at a height of 1,428 feet (435 meters) including its spire, it is among the tallest buildings in New York City.
Designed by SHoP Architects and developed by JDS Development Group and Property Markets Group, the tower pays homage to the historic Steinway Hall, which once stood on the site. Construction began in 2014 and was completed in 2020 when it became the world’s most slender skyscraper.
The skinny and distinctive design adds a unique touch to the city’s skyline. The building offers luxurious residential apartments (ranging from $18-66 million per unit) and boasts 360-degree views of NYC.
#2. Central Park Tower (1,550 ft.)
Website: Central Park Tower
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: 217 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Central Park Tower is a super-tall residential building stands at a staggering height of 1,550 feet (472 meters), including the spire. Construction commenced in 2014 and was completed in 2020. The tower features a sleek design with a glass curtain facade, offering breathtaking views of Central Park and the surrounding cityscape.
The tall NYC building is home to luxurious residential units and top-tier amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and entertainment spaces, as well as retail spaces at its base. Additionally, Central Park Tower is not only one of the tallest buildings in NYC, but it’s also the highest residential building in the Western Hemisphere.
#1. One World Trade Center (1,776 ft.)
Website: One World Trade Center
Neighborhood: Financial District
Address: 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
One World Trade Center, affectionately known as the Freedom Tower, is New York City’s tallest building at 1,776 feet (541 meters). The height is no accident, 1,776 is the year America declared independence.
This is currently the 7th-tallest building in the world, but we all know how quickly those stats change! Completed in 2014, it stands as a symbol of resilience, rising from the ashes of the September 11, 2001 attacks near the original site of the Twin Towers.
The Freedom Tower is the focal point of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. It’s full of office spaces (with international tenants, like Condé Nast) and is a popular attraction because it’s home to the tallest observation deck in NYC. Representing the resilience of the American people, the One World Trade Center is arguably the most important building in New York City.
List of New York City’s Tallest Buildings (Post Summary)
- One World Trade Center
- Central Park Tower
- 111 West 57th Street
- One Vanderbilt
- 432 Park Avenue
- 270 Park Avenue
- 30 Hudson Yards
- Empire State Building
- Bank of America Tower
- 3 World Trade Center
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Map of Tall Buildings NYC
I hope you enjoyed this list of the tallest buildings in NYC, let me know if I missed any!
Cheers.
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