About the development
1221 Avenue of the Americas is one of Rockefeller Group’s flagship properties in Manhattan, a 2.6 million square-foot office tower designed by Abramovitz and Harris, the architects for all of Rockefeller Center. Originally developed with McGraw-Hill, the building underwent a two-year revitalization project starting in 2014, resulting in over 1 million square feet of new leases and renewals. Extensive renovations to the lobby and sidestreet plazas in 2016 coincided with the resurgence of Sixth Avenue as Manhattan’s most active location for large office leases between 2016 and 2018. Positioned between 48th and 49th Streets, the building boasts tree lined plazas on all sides with seating for over 500 people. Notable tenants include White & Case, NBCUniversal, Sirius XM, and Deloitte, and restaurants Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Oceana, Zibetto Espresso Bar, Chipotle, and 48 Lounge.
The double-height lobby, encased in floor-to-ceiling glass, provides an indoor-outdoor feel with natural light permeating throughout. “Elgin Gardens” installations by Mark Bradford flank the grand hall, symbolizing New York City’s creativity and forward-thinking drive.
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New Plaza CompletedThe Plaza at 1221 Avenue of the Americas
In 2023, Rockefeller Group completed a $50 million renovation of its Sixth Avenue plaza, a multi-level space redesigned by Milan-based design practice Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The project aimed to enhance underutilized privately-owned public space, making it more inviting for people throughout the day. The plaza, located at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, serves as the gateway to one of Manhattan’s largest retail spaces and offers direct access to the Rockefeller Center concourse, shops, and subway station. Additionally, the renovated plaza provides in-building access to the Rockefeller Center subway concourse and connects to 21 million square feet of class-A office space in neighboring buildings.
