A historic Manhattan landmark recently underwent a major renovation, emerging with a bold and modern identity defined by our channel glass. The centerpiece of the renovation is a 380-foot-long illuminated channel glass surface that redefines the building’s presence, infusing it with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

Designed by MdeAS Architects, the backlit prismatic channel glass spans the full length of the façade above the main entrance, modernizing the building’s appearance with a continuous surface that eliminates visually disruptive vertical framing.

“The channel glass had a slightly frosted handmade and crafted aesthetic that looked good during the day and captured the back illumination beautifully at night,” explains Mike Zaborski, Principal at MdeAS Architects. “We wanted a soft glow from the bottom and then tapering off towards the top edge.”

Channel glass podium above the ground floor of the building.
The MetLife Building, New York, NY by Moed de Armas & Shannon Architects. Photo by Bendheim.

The renovation is part of a larger effort to revitalize the building, integrating it into Midtown Manhattan’s ever-evolving architectural landscape. Our channel glass serves as a bridge between tradition and progress within a neighborhood that has seen significant urban development in recent years, with nearby projects such as One Vanderbilt Plaza and the renovation of Grand Central Terminal’s west entrance. This thoughtful integration into the urban fabric embodies a commitment to architecture that honors the past and embraces the future.

The Prismasolar™ channel glass has a chiseled fluted pattern that prismatically bends light through deep V-cut surfaces. In addition to its distinctive appearance, the glass is sustainably produced, with a low carbon footprint and is certified bird friendly. The U profile glass creates walls of light – with depth and profile unachievable through conventional flat glass, thereby creating virtually seamless glass surfaces that can span hundreds of feet long and span across elevations.

Channel glass podium above the ground floor of the building.

We worked closely with the project team to ensure the smooth integration of the glass and lighting systems. “The team at Bendheim was a great resource both on the design and technical side with excellent information on system installation and tolerances, glass options and availability, and integration of lighting elements with necessary supporting members,” says Zaborski. “Their development of support systems that were pre-engineered allowed for a streamlined integration into the design process with confirmation of glass and lighting selection through full-size mockups.”

The renovation contributes to the modern architectural landscape of Midtown Manhattan. Our channel glass is central to the new façade, bringing both beauty and elegance while solidifying the building’s role as a symbol of innovation. The illuminated feature further elevates the structure, creating a striking visual centerpiece that ushers in a new chapter in its legacy.