NEW YORK — JPMorgan Chase hosted a large-scale celebration this week at its newly completed 1,389-foot global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue, recognizing the thousands of union workers who brought the $3 billion skyscraper to life.
Designed by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners and developed by Tishman Speyer, the 60-story office tower is now the tallest building in New York City powered entirely by hydroelectric energy. The supertall yields 2.5 million square feet of office space, enough for 14,000 employees, and represents one of the most significant corporate real estate projects completed in the city in recent years.
The block party temporarily closed off the eastern plaza and sidewalks along Park Avenue as thousands gathered for the celebration. Workers enjoyed a catered lunch while listening to speeches from company leaders and labor representatives.
“We wanted to take this moment to thank the men and women who made this building possible — the people who worked day in and day out, often through difficult conditions, to deliver a new global headquarters for JPMorgan Chase,” said Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase.
Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, also attended and spoke directly to the workers. He emphasized the strength of organized labor in bringing the project to completion, saying he was proud to stand alongside the workforce and personally thanking many of them during the event.
The headquarters project generated 8,000 construction jobs and engaged 40 local unions, creating ripple effects across the regional economy. According to JPMorgan, the development has already spurred $2.6 billion in economic activity for New York City and $3.6 billion for New York State, and is expected to contribute $29.8 billion annually to the city’s economy while indirectly supporting 40,000 additional jobs across industries.
By the end of 2025, more than 10,000 JPMorgan employees will call the tower home, making it a new hub for the company’s global operations.
Exterior construction is nearly complete. The mechanical hoist is being removed from the northern elevation, with crews closing gaps in the façade. Work continues on the landscaped plaza along Madison Avenue and the upgraded entrance to Grand Central Madison, which will serve as a key transit link for employees and visitors.
Inside, the building integrates AI-driven sensors and machine learning systems to optimize energy performance. Sustainability features also include triple-pane glazing with automated shading and enhanced fresh-air delivery.
Office amenities are designed to match the scale of the project, featuring a Danny Meyer-catered food hall from Union Square Hospitality Group with 19 dining options, a health and wellness center operated by Exos with yoga, cycling, and physical therapy, and flexible spaces such as prayer and meditation rooms, mother’s rooms, and medical services.
Employees will also have access to a JPMorgan Chase workplace app for wayfinding and services, and even a coffee-tracking system with desk-side delivery.
Crews are currently finishing two multistory rock walls in the plaza, where early plantings have been installed between the stone formations. The landscaping is expected to evolve as greenery grows into the crevices in the years ahead.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the tower is expected later this fall, marking the full opening of what JPMorgan calls its state-of-the-art global headquarters for the next generation of work.
Originally reported by Michael Young in Newyork Yimby.
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