717 Fifth Avenue

A sleek Mid-Century Modern addition to Midtown, 717 Fifth Avenue was designed by Harrison, Abramovitz & Abbe in 1959 for the Corning Glass Works, which was previously housed in a much smaller building directly across the street at 718 Fifth Avenue. A handsome entry in Lever House professionalism, the original plaza has, regrettably, been partially filled in…. Continue reading

565 Fifth Avenue

A glamorous production from architect Norman Jaffe, an architect better known for his highly romantic beach houses in the Hamptons, 565 Fifth Avenue was described as “Frank Lloyd Wright made sleek” by New York Times architectural critic Paul Goldberger.  The lobby is a dramatic assemblage of structural-based ornament; Emery Roth & Sons were the production… Continue reading

505 Fifth Avenue

505 Fifth Avenue is a pleasant neo-constructivist confection by industry standards Kohn Pederson Fox.  The lobby incorporates a site-specific program by the artist James Turrell that includes a forced-perspective neon light box.  Floor-to-ceiling glass cladding gives the interiors arresting views of the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.

489 Fifth Avenue

A striking black and white sliver building, 489 Fifth Avenue was designed in 1970 by the firm of Kahn & Jacobs.  A rather alarming Fifth Avenue façade is augmented by a south-facing wall that suggests Russian Constructivism.

321 Fifth Avenue

One of the recent buildings to be completed south of 34th Street, 321 Fifth Avenue weaves an uneasy compromise between the glittering high-tech of its upper floors and an oddly hesitant attempt to meet the street level. The tower is all flashing reflections and airy balconies, suggestive of the tropical flair of Miami. The lower… Continue reading