The Consequences of New York's New East Midtown Plan Include Skyscraper Demolition

A highly controversial proposal hit the newswire this week, as JP Morgan announced its plans to demolish 270 Park Avenue (formerly known as the Union Carbide tower), designed by architect Natalie Griffin de Blois.

1 minute read

February 22, 2018, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"JPMorgan Chase announced on Wednesday that it will demolish its headquarters on Park Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets and build a new 70-story world headquarters on the site for its 15,000 employees," reports Charles V. Bagli.

"The building would be the first skyscraper to go up under new zoning rules for the area surrounding Grand Central Terminal, which were designed to encourage the development of taller, more modern skyscrapers and ensure that Midtown remains one of the city’s premier business districts," ads Bagli.

The article includes more details about the proposed demolition and new skyscraper. The article also includes a quote from Mayor Bill de Blasio touting the project as a sign of the Midtown East plan, approved in 2017. For additional perspectives on the skyline changing news, see an article by Jonathan Hilburg, and another for the real estate website The Real Deal.

Planetizen  followed the Midtown East rezoning processes through the de Blasio Administration, as well as a previous, unsuccessful attempt at rezoning during the Bloomberg Administration. 

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing