Tishman Speyer re-opens historic Rockefeller deck.

Tishman Speyer this week marked a new chapter in New York City's history with the re-opening to the public of Rockefeller Center's historic observation deck, Top of the Rock.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, David Rockefeller and 25 New York City school children joined Jerry Speyer, President and CEO of Tishman Speyer, and Rob Speyer, Senior Managing Director of Tishman Speyer, at a grand unveiling of the deck some 850 feet above the sidewalk.

"John D. Rockefeller envisioned this observation deck as his gift to the people of New York, a grand viewing platform from where to enjoy beautiful views of our city," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "After 20 years, Tishman Speyer is re-opening this attraction for the people of New York and the nearly 40 million tourists we welcome each year."

"By restoring and re-opening the observation deck, we are proud to be able to realize the original vision for Rockefeller Center," said Rob Speyer, Senior Managing Director, Tishman Speyer. "For that reason, especially, it means a great deal to us that we have David Rockefeller here with us today.

"This dynamic space was designed to be the crown jewel of the magnificent complex that is Rockefeller Center. From the day we became co-owners, we have seen ourselves as stewards of that dream. Now we invite New Yorkers and visitors to experience and enjoy the spectacular views of New York City--and beyond--from above the heart of midtown Manhattan."

Tishman carried out a reported $75 million makeover of the oobservation deck to include three lower levels and three upper levels housed in the 70-story architectural heart of Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The centerpiece of the projects is the observatory on the 67th--70th floors. The observation deck was first opened to the public in 1933.

Now fully revitalized by Tishman Speyer, the multi-level Top of the Rock offers state-of-the-art features such as reserved-time tickets, multimedia exhibits, an indoor viewing area, and brand-new transparent, safety glass panels.

Tishman Speyer retained the architectural firm of Gabellini Associates LLP to achieve the design and rejuvenation of the observatory, ensuring that the historic integrity of the site remains. Entertainment group Bob Weis Design Island Associates was enlisted to develop and create a unique and memorable entertainment experience through an immersive exhibition, interactive experiences and multi-media components.

Swarovski, the world's leader in cut crystal, was tapped to create two crystal installations: "Radiance," a massive crystal geode wall, and "Joie," an impressive crystal waterfall chandelier.

Retailer, Target, has added a surprising element to the restoration with The Target Breezeway, a space that showcases state-of-the-art motion-detection technology. The Breezeway identifies visitors as they walk through the space and follows their path with a field of colorful LED lights.

Visitors to Top of the Rock enter the complex through storefronts on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, adjacent to the famous marquee on the street level. The Concourse Level, located below the ground floor entrance, contains the ticketing area, offering unique reserved-time tickets developed specifically for Top of the Rock.

Ticket holders may ride or walk up through the atrium to the Mezzanine exhibition space, and, while waiting to board a sky shuttle elevator to the 67Th floor, can enjoy a multimedia exhibition exploring the history of Rockefeller Center that features contemporary plasma screens alongside the original basswood model of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Visitors then embark on sky shuttle elevators, imagined as time and light capsules. Thanks to a transparent glass ceiling, participants observe their own rapid acceleration through the shaft towards open air and light.

Additionally, four video projectors use the glass ceiling as a projection surface to present rapid sequences of Rockefeller Center imagery from the 1930s through the present. Sapphire blue lights flash within the shaft as the shuttle passes key vertical thresholds, symbolizing the passing of another decade every four stories.

The elevators bring visitors into the interior "Grand Viewing Room" located on the 67th floor. An additional viewing experience will be offered in the "Weather Room," a triple-height space overlooking the Plaza. These viewing rooms and adjoining terraces are also designed to function as a special event space.

Escalators take visitors to the final two floors of the Top of the Rock. The "Grand Viewing Decks" on the 69th floor will offer full views of Manhattan to the east, west, north and south, with visibility approximately 80 miles on clear days.

The 70th floor, reachable by stairs or elevator, crowns the building, allowing visitors to experience a 360-degree panorama of New York City. Only 20 feet wide and nearly 200 feet long, the top level provides a vantage point unlike any other found in New York.