Tower 49, New York, NY

Elegant & Sophisticated

At Tower 49, we offer flexible tenant layouts and advanced technology solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each business. Whether you require customized office layouts or the latest smart building technology, our dedicated team meets all requirements. We provide high-speed connectivity, energy-efficient systems, accessible and reliable building services as part of our ongoing infrastructure improvements. Tower 49 is committed to supporting tenants with modern, efficient, and adaptable workspaces in the heart of New York City.

Specifications

Description


Tower 49 is a 45-story Class A office building located in Midtown Manhattan, offering over 600,000 square feet of office and retail space for lease. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), it features a steel structure and expansive windows that provide natural light and tenants enjoy panoramic views of landmarks like Rockefeller Center, The Rockefeller Gardens, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Ideal for businesses seeking elegance, sophistication, and convenience in New York City.

Completion Date: 1984

Typical Floor Sizes: Approximately 16,000 to 16,400 rentable square feet (1,486 to 1,523 square meters); column-free for flexible layouts.

Floor / Ceiling Heights: Typical floors: 12.4 feet (3.76 meters) slab to slab. Floors 22 and 45: Exceed 13.4 feet (4.06 meters) slab to slab.

Tower 49, New York, NY

Development Team


Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Developers: Solstead Associates

Mechanical Engineers: Jaros, Baum & Bolles

Construction Managers: Tishman Construction Corporation

2015 Redesign: Moed, De Armas, and Shannon enhanced the facade, lobby, and elevator interiors.

Tower 49, New York, NY, Skyline view

Construction Details


Frame: Steel frame with reinforced concrete core up to floor 37; structural steel core from floors 38–45.

Floors: Column-free metal deck with shear studs and concrete slabs.

Foundation: Footings and column piers anchored to bedrock.

Exterior Finish: Stainless steel-clad aluminum mullions with double-glazed reflective thermopane vision green glass; exterior reinstalled and regasketed in 2006 yields energy efficiency.

Floor Loads: Live load 50 lbs/sq feet (244 kg/meter); dead load 20 lbs/sq feet (98 kg/meter); total 70 lbs/sq feet (342 kg/meter).

Tower 49, New York, NY, Elevator view

Building Systems


Elevators: 2009 Upgrade: Installed 16 high-speed, energy-efficient elevators by Kone Inc. 2024 Upgrade: Introducing destination dispatch systems and new lift machines to reduce ride time and enhances energy efficiency.

Passenger Elevators: Low-rise (floors 2–22): Six elevators from main ground lobby. High-rise (floors 25–45): Accessed via three express elevators to the 24th-floor Sky Lobby.

Freight Elevator: Oversized elevator serves all floors; accessed via street level grade-level loading dock with hydraulic elevator to basement.

Heating: Hot water baseboard system powered by Consolidated Edison steam via steam-to-water heat exchangers.

Air-Conditioning: Central supply and return air system with VAV boxes; refrigeration plant includes three Carrier 900-ton machines (one redundant) and an additional 300-ton unit on the 23rd floor for energy-efficient cooling during lighter loads.

Air Filtration: Utilizes MERV 16 filters, exceeding MERV 13 standards, substantially removing smaller particles and airborne contaminants like COVID-19 and influenza.

Electrical: 480-volt power from Consolidated Edison; direct metering for full-floor tenants and sub-meters for multi-tenant floors.

Energy Management: Carrier-integrated control system and Siemens BMS monitor building functions and energy use. The Building has a current Energy Star Grade of A. Owner utilizes only Green Energy for Building Operations and is always exploring ways to improve energy efficiencies in the context of meeting local law and beyond.

Tower 49, New York, NY, Sky view

Quality of Life


Tower 49 transforms the urban workday, just steps away from New York City’s most iconic landmarks and all modes of transportation. Green outdoor courtyards in both the south and north plazas provide a refreshing environment for employees. The on-site Tower 49 Gallery features rotating art exhibitions that infuse creativity and culture into daily routines. Eco-friendly commuters will appreciate the convenient bike storage, while the sky lobby and tenant floors offer stunning city views that inspire work and imagination.

Tower 49, New York, NY, south outdoor plaza

Life Safety & Security


Fire Safety: Full sprinkler system and lobby fire command station with direct floor communication; elevator recall and public address systems activate upon alarms.

Security: 24/7 concierge services monitor elevators and public areas.

Emergency Power: Backup Generators (provides approx. one week of power): A 300KW Caterpillar generator supports life safety systems, while an additional 2,000KW Detroit generator enhances life safety, domestic water access and ensures elevator operation during power outages. Their is additional capacity for tenants to use the generator for ongoing business operations during a blackout.

Tower 49, New York, NY, Interior Main Lobby

Internet Service Provider (ISP)


AT&T
Cogent Communication, Inc.
Crown Castle
Level 3 Communications
Pilot Fiber
Spectrum
Verizon
Zayo

All offer fiber-optic, high-speed access.

Tower 49, New York, NY, Interior Office view

Sustainability


Elevators and HVAC: Upgraded for energy efficiency.

Energy Sources: Building systems utilize sustainable, green renewable energy.

Wellness: Green outdoor courtyards in both south and north plazas provide tranquil spaces for rest. Dedicated wellness rooms within the building offer areas for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Bikes: Convenient bike storage supports eco-friendly commuting.

Tower 49, New York, NY, Neighborhood view

Amenities


Class A Building

On-Site Management and Owner

Tower 49 Gallery

Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings

Modernized Lobby and Elevators

Industrious Flex/Shared Spaces

24/7 Concierge and Security

Outdoor Plazas and Courtyards

Conference Rooms and Conference Centers

Emergency Power Systems

Bike Storage

Tower 49, New York, NY, Aerial view

Location


Convenient Transit: Tower 49 at 12 East 49th Street sits in Midtown Manhattan, provides easy access to Metro North and Long Island Rail Road via Grand Central north access on 47th and 48th Streets at Madison Avenue. Additionally, steps away from multiple subway lines (B, D, F, M, E, 4, 5, 6), numerous bus routes, and various car services.

Famous Landmarks: Nearby icons include Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, MoMA, Times Square, JP Morgan Chase Headquarters and Grand Central Terminal.

Vibrant Culture: The neighborhood offers art museums, theaters, and diverse dining options, all within walking distance.