Every Building on Fifth

This unusual work honors the memory of John Purroy Mitchel, who, upon taking office in 1914 at the age of 34, was and remains New York City’s youngest elected mayor.  A noted reformer famed for his personal honesty, Mitchel joined the army after failing to win reelection and died in a training mishap: news of… Continue reading

One of the most remarkable survivors on Fifth Avenue, 2 East 91st Street, the Andrew Carnegie Mansion, was designed by Babb, Cook & Willard for Andrew Carnegie, who requested “The most modest, plainest and roomiest house in New York.”  One may assume that Mr. Carnegie was speaking ironically as the house is one of the… Continue reading

An austere but compelling design, the 1929 Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest is the first religious structure on Fifth Avenue north of Temple Emanu-El, 25 blocks south.  Completed by the firm of Mayers, Murray & Phillip, successors to the great Bertram Goodhue, the church was erected on a site sold by Andrew Carnegie with… Continue reading

Until earlier this year, 1083 Fifth Avenue was the home of the National Academy Museum, an affiliate of the National Academy of Art, the nation’s oldest art school; the building is currently for sale, along with two sister properties on East 89th Street. A graceful design by Ogden Codman Jr., the present façade replaces an… Continue reading

Surrounded by low-rise landmarks, 1080 Fifth Avenue has spectacular views in nearly all directions.  The building itself is of more interest for additions made to it over the years than for any intrinsic merit (such as the striking cylindrical glass bay on the south side of the setbacks; visible here in the upper right-hand corner)…. Continue reading