RXR Pushes Entry Upgrades at 150 East 42nd Street Near Grand Central

• RXR is seeking approval to upgrade lobby entrances at a 45-story Midtown office tower
• Plans focus on glass storefronts, ADA compliance, and improved lighting
• Property sits next to Grand Central, a prime office location with heavy foot traffic

What the LPC review means for Midtown office assets

RXR is moving forward with a proposal to modernize the ground floor entrances at 150 East 42nd Street, a 45-story office tower in Midtown Manhattan. The plan is now under review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, a key step for properties located near historic assets like Grand Central Terminal. Importantly, the scope is limited. No changes are planned for the tower itself, with all upgrades focused on the entry points along East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. This type of targeted repositioning reflects how landlords are upgrading older office buildings without taking on full redevelopment risk.

What the upgrades mean for tenant experience

The proposed improvements focus on fixing several existing issues at the property. Current entrances suffer from low visibility, outdated materials, and layouts that do not meet modern accessibility standards. The new design will introduce expanded glass storefront systems to increase transparency into the lobby. Entryways will feature new revolving doors and ADA-compliant swing doors, along with upgraded lighting integrated into the existing structure. Granite and stainless steel elements will also be restored or replaced, improving the overall look without altering the building’s historic character. The goal is to create a brighter, more welcoming entrance that aligns with current tenant expectations.

What this means for landlords competing in Midtown

This project highlights a broader trend across Midtown. Landlords are investing in entry-level upgrades and amenity improvements to stay competitive in a soft office market. Buildings near major transit hubs have a clear advantage, but older assets still need modernization to attract tenants. Improving lobby visibility, lighting, and accessibility can directly impact leasing performance, especially for tenants comparing multiple Class A and Class B options. For RXR, this is a relatively low-cost way to enhance asset value while maintaining occupancy in a competitive leasing environment.

What the location means for long-term demand

150 East 42nd Street sits directly next to Grand Central Terminal, one of the most connected transit hubs in New York City. The property benefits from access to the 4, 5, 6, 7, and shuttle trains, along with Metro-North service. This level of connectivity continues to support demand from office tenants who prioritize commute convenience. Even as hybrid work reshapes office usage, buildings near major transit nodes remain better positioned than less accessible assets.

What to watch as approvals move forward

The key next step is LPC approval, which will determine whether the proposed modifications can proceed. Because the plan preserves the building’s existing structure and focuses on subtle upgrades, it may face fewer hurdles than more extensive redevelopment proposals. If approved, the project would position the property to better compete for tenants seeking updated office environments in prime Midtown locations.