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

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Sign for Palisades Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground

Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

4 hours ago - Los Angeles Mayor

Aerial view of oil field in California with pumpjacks at sunset.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program

The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

5 hours ago - The Othering & Belonging Institute

"Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign with mottled shade from palm tree.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time

Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.

6 hours ago - KTNV