Robert L. Ohlson Robert L. Ohlson 
Ever wondered what it would be like to take a glass elevator ride up the side of one of New York’s tallest skyscrapers?
Well, visitors will soon be able to do just that thanks to Summit One Vanderbilt, a brand new attraction set to open at Manhattan’s One Vanderbilt tower this October. Ascent, an all-glass enclosed elevator, will travel 1,210 feet (369 meters) up the outside of the building, providing thrilling views of the city. Those looking for something even more daring can opt for Levitation, a collection of transparent glass boxes that jut out of the tower, suspending guests 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue.
Both are to be based across the four-level, 65,000-square-foot entertainment area and observation deck opening at the peak of One Vanderbilt, a $3.3 billion development that stands at 1,401 feet, making it the fourth tallest in New York City. The tallest is One World Trade Center, measuring 1,776 feet. Summit One Vanderbilt will contain a cafe named Après, a terrace bar, food stalls and “the highest urban outdoor alpine meadow in the world.” Meanwhile, the team at boutique new media creative agency Kenzo Digital have designed a soon-to-be-unveiled immersive art installation for the observation deck. “We have created a destination that offers an interactive experience that will be remembered for a lifetime with the best, amplified views in all of New York City,” Marc Holliday, chairman and CEO of SL Green said in a statement.
