JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Jamie Dimon has said he wants to build a new world-class headquarters for the 21st century. Now he’s hiring the architect behind Apple Inc.’s futuristic offices to design the new Park Avenue tower.
Foster + Partners will serve as the lead architect on the project[...]. It also designed 425 Park Ave., under construction a few blocks to the north. The bank didn’t disclose details of the design.
— Bloomberg
Banking giant JPMorgan Chase initially floated plans to demolish its current New York City home at 270 Park Avenue back in February, and this week's selection of Norman Foster as the design architect of the replacement building appears to seal the fate of the old tower.
Completed in 1961 and designed by SOM's Natalie de Blois as Union Carbide Building, the 50-story midcentury modernist high-rise does not enjoy landmark status and will likely be demolished next year—despite preservationist and environmental concerns.
Since a woman was the lead architect on this building for SOM shouldn't it be preserved unless there are compelling reasons to demolish it? I am the last person to preach 'diversity' and 'inclusion' but, really, leave the building alone.
All 3 Comments
Chase really needs to hire Foster to redo their branch banks.
Chase will spend money on a first class building in NYC, but everyone else in the USA gets banality.
^The bank branch design of today matches the dead-eyed morality of these branches from physical strength to derivatives and hedge funds. The history of banks in the US are beautiful until about 1980. Much like architecture in general.
I don't get why Foster and BIG do every project now. Don't the mindless bureaucrats have a better grasp of the design world of today? So many good architects. Or maybe those two are the only ones that would sell their soul in replacing a building that shouldn't be. Remember this wasteful development when Chase is seeking another bailout.
Believe me there are MANY architects who wouldnt give a rats ass about creating another wasteful development. Your first reason sounds more plausible - the boring old suits want yet another boring old suit to do their shit
Chase boss Jamie Dimon, a billionaire, and Lord Norman, a wannabe billionaire, are probably a good match. NYC Mayor Bill de Blah-blah-blah won't be able to say no to these guys.
Since a woman was the lead architect on this building for SOM shouldn't it be preserved unless there are compelling reasons to demolish it? I am the last person to preach 'diversity' and 'inclusion' but, really, leave the building alone.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.