Visiting timetable09:00 AM10:30 PM
Sunday, January 11, 2026
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Back to history
construction

Building One Vanderbilt: A Quick Construction Timeline in Photos

From foundation to last floors, see how One Vanderbilt rose beside Grand Central—engineering, logistics, and skyline milestones.

11/15/2025
12 min read
Upper floors under construction at One Vanderbilt

One Vanderbilt rose quickly thanks to precise logistics, staged deliveries, and off-site fabrication. This photo timeline highlights key phases from below-grade works to the crown.

Basement works Complex below-grade work around transit lines.


Timeline Highlights

  • Foundations and Below-Grade: Coordination with transit tunnels and utilities.
  • Podium and Early Setbacks: Base massing and street integration take shape.
  • Vertical Rise: Regularized floor plates accelerate steel and facade installation.
  • Upper Levels: Structural tuning for observation spaces and wind performance.
  • Crown and Systems: Final mechanical coordination, lighting, and exterior finishes.

First floors Podium and first setbacks define the base massing.

Summit construction Upper levels prepared for the observation experience.

Tip: For exterior progress-style shots today, stand near the Park Ave viaduct and shoot upward along the taper.

About the Author

NYC Observation Deck Expert

NYC Observation Deck Expert

I put this guide together to make your SUMMIT visit easy, insightful, and full of practical tips for the perfect skyline moment.

Tags

Construction
Timeline
Engineering
Photos
Skyscraper

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment

Loading comments...