Fresh architectural renderings have been unveiled showcasing extensive renovation plans for the News Corp. Building, a prominent 45-story commercial skyscraper located at 1211 Avenue of The Americas in Midtown Manhattan. The ambitious modernization project, designed by renowned architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox and developed by RXR, aims to transform the main entrance and various facilities of the 1.9-million-square-foot building that currently serves as headquarters for both News Corp. and Fox Corporation.
The centerpiece rendering offers a striking southwest view of the skyscraper's base, revealing plans for a sleek modern glass curtain wall that will enclose an impressive soaring lobby space. The design features a distinctive broad canopy that elegantly wraps around the corner of the building. The updated plans also include significant revisions to the landscaped plaza along Sixth Avenue, complete with the addition of sculptural elements that will enhance the building's street presence.
Detailed renderings from 2022 provide an intimate look at the sophisticated lobby fenestration and the innovative canopy design. A particularly notable feature will be an expanded version of the building's current news ticker, which will be prominently displayed along the canopy's outer edge. This modern interpretation pays homage to the building's media heritage while embracing contemporary design principles.
Kohn Pedersen Fox will oversee both the interior design transformation of the lobby and comprehensive elevator modernization throughout the building. The interior renovation promises to create a welcoming and functional space that reflects the building's status as a major corporate headquarters in one of Manhattan's most prestigious commercial districts.
The renovation will introduce an impressive array of premium office amenities designed to attract and retain top-tier tenants. Plans include a sophisticated tenant lounge featuring a full-service coffee bar and comfortable seating areas, convenient grab-and-go food options for busy professionals, and an extensive spa facility equipped with infrared saunas, cutting-edge red-light therapy, tranquil meditation rooms, massage pods, and recovery stations for wellness-focused employees.
Additional luxury amenities will include a formal boardroom specifically designed for executive meetings and private dining events, a flexible lounge space featuring state-of-the-art golf simulators for recreation, and an exclusive speakeasy venue perfect for private gatherings, wine tastings, and other exclusive corporate events. These high-end facilities reflect the growing trend of commercial buildings offering hotel-like amenities to compete in Manhattan's competitive office market.
The building's location offers exceptional transportation connectivity, with direct access to the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center subway station located immediately outside the building. This prime location provides tenants and visitors with convenient access to the B, D, F, and M train lines, making it easily accessible from all five boroughs and surrounding areas.
While the detailed renovation plans have been finalized and renderings released, developers have not yet announced a specific construction timeline for the upgrades to 1211 Avenue of The Americas. The project represents a significant investment in maintaining the building's competitive edge in Manhattan's evolving commercial real estate landscape.
