Top of the Rock project gets the green light

 

A series of eye-catching visitor attractions for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza have been given the go-ahead by New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Proposed by Tishman Speyer, the project will see a ‘Skylift’ viewing platform and ‘Rooftop Beacon’ added to the 70th floor of the Manhattan landmark.

 

The recently approved plans also include a ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ experience on the 69th floor roof terrace, which pays homage to the famous photograph of the same name showing construction workers sitting on a steel beam having lunch. Visitors will be strapped onto a movable beam then lifted about 2.7 meters (9 feet) into the air and rotated around to recreate the scene.

a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock
Lunch atop a Skyscraper (images courtesy of Tishman Speyer)

a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock
‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ © Rockefeller Group Inc. / Rockefeller Center Archives 2020

 

 

The rooftop Skylift will extend 9 meters (30 feet) into the air to give visitors panoramic views of New York City. According to Tishman Speyer’s plans, the structure will take on a lens shape with fluted detail and the circular observation platform will be enclosed with a glass balustrade.

 

As well as the new Skylift, the 70th floor will feature the globe-like Rooftop Beacon with orbiting ‘Light Rings’ and rotating panels made of LEDs and sculpted glass. Visitors to this level will also enjoy a new mosaic tiled floor inspired by historic Rockefeller Center iconography. The proposed work by Tishman Speyer also includes updates to the mezzanine and ground floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock
Rooftop Beacon during the day

a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock
Rooftop Beacon illuminated at night

a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock
Skylift down

a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock
Skylift up

 

 

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project info:

 

name: Top of the Rock Enhancements

location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, USA

design: Tishman Speyer