One Madison: Redefining the skyline with innovation, sustainability, and unmatched luxury.
Executive Spotlight: Edward V. Piccinich Chief Operating Officer, SL Green Realty Corp.
Edward V. Piccinich has long been recognized as a dynamic force behind some of the most transformative projects reshaping New York City’s skyline. As chief operating officer of SL Green Realty Corp., his extensive background in engineering, construction, and leadership has played a pivotal role in redefining real estate development in Manhattan. His stewardship of SL Green’s redevelopment and development projects has resulted in some of the city’s most innovative projects, including the ground-up construction of One Vanderbilt, redevelopment of 100 Park Avenue, and most recently, One Madison’s redevelopment.
Transforming NoMad with One Madison
Located in the heart of the NoMad district, One Madison is set to revolutionize the area. “The redevelopment of One Madison is exciting in many ways,” Piccinich shared. “We executed the project through collaboration with top-tier professionals, seamlessly integrating a 500,000 square foot, 18-story tower into the existing 10-story podium.”
The project, which involved reusing the building’s original structure while adding modern features, is a testament to Piccinich’s commitment to sustainable innovation and adaptive reuse. Brought to life in partnership with world-renowned architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the building’s nearly 3,000 high-performance curtain wall panels, alongside the historic Alabama limestone façade, create an iconic blend of modern and classical architecture. For Piccinich, the attention to detail is paramount: “We engaged the Landmarks Preservation Commission to discuss the design, ensuring that every aspect of the redevelopment complemented the neighborhood’s historical context.”
The building is also designed to cater to the modern workforce, featuring tenant amenity spaces such as Le Jardin sur Madison, a stunning outdoor rooftop space designed by the Rockwell Group. The mix of office, retail, and high-end hospitality has attracted tenants like Franklin Templeton and Coinbase, as well as IBM’s new Manhattan flagship location. “We are excited to welcome high-profile tenants,” he added, “and anticipate that our curated retail spaces, such as Chef Daniel Boulud’s La Tête d’Or and Chelsea Piers, will activate the street level and drive economic growth.”
A vision for mixed-use spaces
SL Green’s portfolio is vast, encompassing landmarks like One Vanderbilt, 100 Park Avenue, 245 Park, 760 Madison Avenue, and many others. One Madison aligns with the company’s broader vision of developing high-quality, mixed- use spaces that redefine neighborhoods. “Each project we undertake is done with a defined purpose, thanks to the vision and leadership
of our chief executive officer Marc Holliday,” Piccinich explained. “We not only transform buildings, but we reposition neighborhoods.” He cites One Vanderbilt as a prime example, a skyscraper that not only brought premier office and retail space to the market but also created a pedestrian plaza near Grand Central Terminal.
For Piccinich, One Madison represents the future of NoMad. “One Madison delivers a full complement of amenities that set it apart from the rest. It’s a nexus of work and play, offering tenants exclusive experiences like an Omakase steak table at La Tête d’Or.
Overcoming challenges at One Madison
Despite the project’s success, it was not without its challenges. “There was a unique complexity with One Madison, particularly starting construction during the pandemic,” Piccinich recalled. “Retaining 67% of the original structure while constructing the tower required significant ingenuity.” Thanks to meticulous planning by SL Green’s construction team, the project’s structural engineers Severud Associates, and Tishman/AECOM’s team of nearly 500 construction workers on-site daily, One Madison remained on schedule and under budget. “We thrive under pressure,” he said, crediting SL Green’s construction group, led by Robert DeWitt, senior vice president of construction, as well as the project’s professional partners. Piccinich also noted that the overall team for One Madison kept much of the band together that realized One Vanderbilt.
Sustainability and social responsibility
Sustainability is at the core of Piccinich’s approach to real estate. “SL Green is a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives,” he proudly stated. One Madison adheres to these high standards with innovations like an advanced Building Management System (BMS), a Direct Outside Air System (DOAS), and plans for LEED Gold and WELL certifications. “We’re on track to achieve significant energy savings and enhanced tenant comfort,” he added, reflecting SL Green’s commitment to both sustainability and the community.
Building a culture of excellence
As a leader, Piccinich is equally proud of the corporate culture at SL Green. The company has been recognized as a Great Place to Work four times, a reflection of its investment in employee development. “The cultivation of our nearly 1,000 employees is of paramount importance,” he explained. Initiatives like LinkedIn Learning, internal training, and tuition reimbursement are just a few ways SL Green supports its workforce. “Our employees’ relentless hard work propels us forward day after day, and their contributions are key to our success,” he added.
A lifelong commitment to New York City
With decades of experience in New York City’s development and infrastructure, Piccinich’s passion for the city remains steadfast. “New York City has come back stronger than ever, and we have never wavered in our pursuit to strengthen our assets,” he said. SL Green’s consistent leasing successes, including the recent expansion of Bloomberg’s office footprint at 919 Third Avenue to over 900,000 square feet, is a testament to the company’s belief in the city’s resilience. Piccinich expressed excitement not only about this deal, but about the company exceeding three million square feet of signed leases this year, with a million more in the pipeline, crediting the leasing velocity to his partner, Steven Durels, executive vice president, director of leasing and real property.
Reflecting on his career, Piccinich is equally proud of the large-scale accomplishments and the smaller, day-to-day victories that have shaped his journey. “As the son of immigrant parents, I often feel I am the embodiment of their dream,” he shared. “My aspirations remain robust, and I am excited about the many more accomplishments to come.”
Touring One Madison: A glimpse inside NoMad’s newest landmark
One Madison is not just another office building in the NoMad neighborhood — it’s a revolutionary blend of state-of-the-art design, cutting-edge amenities, and a vibrant mix of dining, fitness, and cultural offerings. Our team was invited to take an exclusive tour of this iconic building, and what we found was nothing short of extraordinary.
IBM: A new flagship for innovation
Our tour began at IBM’s stunning new headquarters, which sets the tone for the modern workspace. Entering through a separate, dedicated entrance marked by a mesmerizing 40-foot quantum wave-shaped light, we were immediately immersed in an innovative atmosphere.
The interior, designed by Gensler, is full of thoughtful touches. On the second floor, we encountered the Blue Bar, a coffee bar offering Bluestone Lane coffee by day and transforming into a chic cocktail bar by night. The reception area doubles as a gallery space, meeting zone, and a showcase for IBM’s groundbreaking technologies.
The attention to detail continues throughout the building, with colorful, meaningful art, a 300-seat auditorium on the 8th and 9th floors, and a full- service cafeteria on the 10th floor. The cafeteria boasts a terrace with over 3,000 pollination- friendly plants — a serene, functional workspace with breathtaking views.
An outdoor walk down 23rd Street: A dining haven in the making
One Madison isn’t just about work; it’s also becoming a new food destination in NoMad. The 23rd Street side is gearing up for the opening of several high-profile restaurants. These eateries will offer a blend of fine and casual dining, elevating the culinary landscape of the neighborhood.
Chelsea Piers: Fitness at a new level
From office to fitness, our next stop was the Park Avenue entrance to Chelsea Piers’ third location: a sprawling 56,000-square-foot, four-level gym. This state-of-the-art facility offers everything a fitness enthusiast could want, including over 100 classes per week and luxurious amenities such as plunge pools and high-end Life Fitness equipment.
What sets this gym apart is the focus on creating a boutique, studio-like experience. The Evolve section offers hot yoga rooms and a salt wall yoga room, blending holistic wellness with cutting-edge fitness. Designed by Dan Fink, the lobby exudes luxury, while the entire space feels like a modern sanctuary for both physical and mental well-being.
La Tête D’Or by Daniel Boulud: A new standard for steakhouses
Around the corner on Park Avenue, we visited La Tête d’Or, the latest venture by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud. This isn’t your typical steakhouse. Designed by the Rockwell Group, the space is a seamless blend of American steakhouse tradition and Parisian elegance. The restaurant features a 150-person main dining area, an intimate cocktail bar, and a private Omakase- style steak and seafood table for an unforgettable culinary experience. The Wagyu tasting room and private chef’s table offer exclusive dining opportunities, making La Tête d’Or a true destination for food lovers.
L’Épicerie: A hidden gem for tenants
One floor down, we found L’Épicerie, a tenant-only café with comfortable seating and a projector screen perfect for presentations or entertaining. The space is a versatile haven for tenants during the week but can also be rented out for private events on nights and weekends.
Le Jardin Sur Madison: The crown jewel of One Madison
Our tour concluded at the rooftop, where we stepped into Le Jardin sur Madison — an indoor- outdoor oasis also designed by the Rockwell Group, that offers a panoramic view of New York City. This 6,000-square-foot indoor space, coupled with a 5,000-square-foot terrace, is perfect for anything from weddings to corporate events.
The outdoor terrace overlooks the iconic 5 Madison Avenue clocktower, with views stretching from the downtown skyline to midtown. The space is adaptable, with a custom tent that allows for year-round use. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand event for over 300 guests, this venue is designed to impress.