J
PMorgan Chase is giving its 383 Madison Ave. building a sleek new makeover to match its soon-to-open, Foster + Partners-designed headquarters at 270 Park Ave. The renovation will transform the 47-story tower into a state-of-the-art workplace and more welcoming public space.

    The exterior facelift will replace the current granite panels with a sparkling glass facade and larger windows, creating a striking contrast to the building's current "lugubrious" appearance. A rendering obtained by Realty Check shows the dramatic change.

    Inside, employees will enjoy refurbished workspaces with 360-degree views of the city skyline, cutting-edge technology, and modern furniture. The lobby will be remodeled for better pedestrian access, and ground-floor walls will be removed to create open-air passageways and wider sidewalks on Vanderbilt Avenue and East 47th Street.

    A new entrance on Madison Avenue will feature upgraded storefronts, while a new MTA entrance to Grand Central Terminal will provide easier access. The improvements are designed to complement the 10,000-square-foot public plaza at 270 Park Ave., which will include green space, seating, art, and a cafe open to all.

    The project is expected to take two years and will eventually house most of JPMorgan Chase's 16,000 Midtown employees. Architectural firms working on the project include Foster + Partners, Gensler, and SOM, with city approval required for the lobby changes due to the creation of a privately-owned public space (POPS).