a new ‘skylift’ rooftop attraction is coming to NYC's top of the rock

Top of the Rock project gets the green light

A series of eye-catching visitor attractions for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza have been given the go-ahead by New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Proposed by Tishman Speyer, the project will see a ‘Skylift’ viewing platform and ‘Rooftop Beacon’ added to the 70th floor of the Manhattan landmark.

The recently approved plans also include a ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ experience on the 69th floor roof terrace, which pays homage to the famous photograph of the same name showing construction workers sitting on a steel beam having lunch. Visitors will be strapped onto a movable beam then lifted about 2.7 meters (9 feet) into the air and rotated around to recreate the scene.

Lunch atop a Skyscraper (images courtesy of Tishman Speyer)

‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ © Rockefeller Group Inc. / Rockefeller Center Archives 2020

The rooftop Skylift will extend 9 meters (30 feet) into the air to give visitors panoramic views of New York City. According to Tishman Speyer’s plans, the structure will take on a lens shape with fluted detail and the circular observation platform will be enclosed with a glass balustrade.

As well as the new Skylift, the 70th floor will feature the globe-like Rooftop Beacon with orbiting ‘Light Rings’ and rotating panels made of LEDs and sculpted glass. Visitors to this level will also enjoy a new mosaic tiled floor inspired by historic Rockefeller Center iconography. The proposed work by Tishman Speyer also includes updates to the mezzanine and ground floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Rooftop Beacon during the day

Rooftop Beacon illuminated at night

Skylift down

Skylift up

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project info:

name: Top of the Rock Enhancements

location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, USA

design: Tishman Speyer