521 Fifth Avenue, The Lefcourt National Building

One of many buildings constructed by the flamboyant developer A.E. Lefcourt, the Lefcourt National Building at 521 Fifth Avenue is a massive, dignified and somewhat stern example of Stripped Classicism applied to the setback style more commonly associated with Art Deco.

Architects Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, of Empire State Building fame, also designed the nearby 500 Fifth Avenue.

Largely forgotten now, Lefcourt rose from humble beginnings in the Lower East Side to becoming one of the foremost developers of loft buildings in the Garment District, many of which still bear his name.

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