A Structural Review: JP Morgan New Global Headquarters 270 Park Avenue - New York
- Structures Insider
- Mar 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Introduction
JP Morgan Chase's new global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue stands as a testament to modern architectural and engineering excellence. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, this 1,388-foot (423-meter), 60-story skyscraper is set to redefine New York City's skyline upon its completion in 2025. The building is poised to become the city's largest all-electric tower, operating with net-zero carbon emissions, and is powered entirely by renewable energy sourced from a New York State hydroelectric plant.
This ambitious project not only reflects JP Morgan Chase's commitment to sustainability but also exemplifies innovative design and construction practices in a dense urban environment. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, 270 Park Avenue replaces the former Union Carbide Building, marking a significant transformation in the city's architectural landscape. The project aligns with the Midtown East rezoning plan, enacted in August 2017, which aims to revitalize the area by permitting higher as-of-right densities in exchange for public space improvements.
This initiative seeks to modernize office spaces, enhance public realms, and reinforce Midtown East's status as a premier business district. The collaboration between Foster + Partners and structural engineers Severud Associates has resulted in the design of a 1,388-foot (423-meter), 60-story skyscraper at 270 Park Avenue, set to be New York City's largest all-electric tower with net-zero operational emissions.
This state-of-the-art global headquarters for JPMorgan Chase will house up to 14,000 employees, offering 2.5 million square feet of flexible and collaborative space. The building will also provide 2.5 times more outdoor space at ground level, featuring wider sidewalks and a large public plaza on Madison Avenue with natural green spaces, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the public realm in Midtown East.
Project Overview and Key Details
Location: 270 Park Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, New York.
Height: 1,388 feet (423 meters), 60 stories.
Total Area: 2.5 million square feet of flexible and collaborative office space.
Purpose: Serves as the new global headquarters for JP Morgan Chase, replacing the previous building on the same site.
Unique Facts: This project is notable for being the first skyscraper fully demolished and rebuilt on the same site. The previous structure, the Union Carbide Building, was deconstructed to make way for the new state-of-the-art facility. The construction phase is expected to generate over 8,000 jobs, involving more than 40 local unions, and contribute approximately $2.6 billion to New York City's economic activity.
Structural Designer: Severud Associates.
Architect: Foster + Partners, a renowned British architectural firm led by Lord Norman Foster
Facade Designer: Foster + Partners.
Subcontractors: Notably, the project includes steelwork supplier Banker Steel, steel subcontractor NYC Constructors, and curtain wall supplier New Hudson Façades.
Advisors: Robert Bird Group serves as the construction engineering and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) consultant, provided services such as project modeling and logistics planning.
Contractor: AECOM Tishman is the main contractor overseeing the construction process.
Project Manager: Tishman Construction, serving as the construction manager for the project. Additionally, AECOM/Tishman is listed as the construction manager for the project
270 Park Avenue front elevation image (Photo by: Michael Young)
Structural Design
The architectural vision for 270 Park Avenue, crafted by Foster + Partners, emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The building features a steel-framed structure complemented by a robust concrete core, enhancing its lateral stability and resilience against environmental forces such us high winds, seismic activity, and potential differential settlement due to varying soil conditions.
To mitigate wind-induced motion, a 280-ton pendulum-type tuned mass damper is installed on the 54th floor, effectively controlling building accelerations and ensuring occupant comfort. Additionally, the foundation design addresses challenges posed by underlying train tracks, utilizing a 16-inch thick, 10,000 psi post-tensioned concrete slab to distribute lateral forces and accommodate the unique site conditions.
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It’s construction employed a high proportion of low-carbon materials, including concrete that substituted ground glass pozzolans (GGP) for 40% of the cement in all structural concrete except the 16,000-psi mix. Use of locally sourced GGP in 52,000 cubic yards of concrete saved about 5,000 tons of embodied carbon and diverted more than 28 million glass bottles from landfills, as estimated by the GGP producer.
The steel reinforcement in the concrete is made from nearly 100% recycled steel while the 94,000 tons of structural steel framing contains over 90% recycled material. Remarkably, 97% of the demolished Union Carbide building was reused, recycled, or upcycled.
Major components of the lateral system are depicted in the below given figures. Exterior macro-braces on the east and west facades are configured in a distinctive diamond shape and augment the lateral system.
 |  |  |
East-west braced frames | North and south exterior elevations | North-south braced frames |
270 Park Avenue: Braced frame structure (Illustration by Severud Associates)
One of the standout design elements is the innovative fan-column structure at the base, which, along with triangular bracing, allows the building to rise approximately 80 feet (24 meters) above street level.
Left to right: 270 Park Avenue (Photo by Michael Young), A fan column and its forged steel node. Thermal blankets controlled cooling after field welding. (Photo by Severud Associates), A section of shear wall stands before installation of formwork. (Photo by Severud Associates)
This design not only provides structural support but also creates open, column-free spaces at ground level, enhancing pedestrian accessibility and urban integration. The interior boasts large, unobstructed floor plates, offering maximum flexibility for various office layouts and fostering a collaborative work environment. The facade incorporates a high-performance glass curtain wall system, utilizing full-height triple-glazed insulating glass units with custom coatings. This approach maximizes natural light penetration while optimizing energy efficiency, contributing to the building's sustainability objectives.
Key Challenges in Construction
Constructing a supertall skyscraper in the heart of Midtown Manhattan presents unique challenges, particularly concerning foundation design and urban constraints.
Site Constraints: The presence of Grand Central Terminal and Grand Central Madison beneath most of the site left limited space for foundation placement.
Narrow Foundation Gaps: Tracks and platforms allowed only narrow gaps—sometimes just 48 inches (1.22 m) wide—for new structural support.
Utility & Infrastructure Limitations: Existing power, signal, and utility lines could not be relocated due to high costs.
Uneven Support Conditions: The western quarter had more direct bedrock support, but symmetry constraints required careful column placement.
Complex Load Transfer System: A two-story-high transfer structure (“Tabletop”) was needed to distribute loads effectively.
Heavy Structural Loads: Super-columns carried nearly 100,000 kips each, demanding advanced foundation solutions.
Construction Constraints: The site was limited by underground railroad tracks and the need to protect the trainshed roof.
Fabrication Challenges: Large steel nodes required forged steel fabrication to handle high stresses efficiently.
Massive Plate Girders: 25-foot-deep girders, each weighing ~1,800 tons, had to be transported, lifted, and assembled in sections.
Limited Site Access: Only Madison Avenue allowed deliveries, requiring precise crane placement and sequencing.
Conclusion
In summary, JP Morgan Chase's new headquarters at 270 Park Avenue exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovative design, structural ingenuity, and sustainable practices. The collaborative efforts of architects, engineers, and construction professionals have culminated in a landmark development that not only enhances New York City's skyline but also sets new standards for future urban skyscrapers.
Constructing a high-rise office building in New York City’s dense urban environment is difficult under the best of circumstances. Building one where a high-rise office tower already exists is even more challenging. To attempt to do so above active railroad tracks borders on the impossible.
But with thorough study, extensive analysis, and enthusiastic collaboration, JPMorgan Chase and its experienced design and construction team was able to pull it off—without significantly disrupting or altering the trains below. The building is expected to be completed in 2025.
“In 1811, when this site was countryside, the city commissioners created a masterplan for New York. It was bold, innovative, and reflected an optimism for the future. Today, over two hundred years later, the same things are true of 270 Park Avenue. The building is a great investment in the city, the bank, and the wellbeing of the 14,000 people who will occupy it. It does more with less – more public space, fresh air, light and views – and less carbon through electric, green energy.”
–Norman Foster
Used Links:
https://architectuul.com/architecture/union-carbide-building
https://www.archdaily.com/1010143/foster-plus-partners-tops-out-jp-morgans-skyscraper-hq-in-new-york
https://www.structuremag.org/article/270-park-avenuemodern-structure-for-a-modern-workplace/
https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/projects/270-park-avenue-new-york-usa/
https://www.curbed.com/2023/04/270-park-avenue-jpmorgan-chase-headquarters-foster-partners.html