The Sherman Monument
A major work by the American sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens, whose Farragut Memorial graces Madison Square Park more than a mile and a half to the south, the Sherman Monument commemorates the controversial Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, infamous for “Sherman’s March,” one of the earliest “scorched earth” campaigns of modern warfare. As depicted… Continue reading
781 Fifth Avenue, The Sherry Netherland Hotel
A glittering fantasy, the former Sherry Netherland Hotel at 781 Fifth Avenue is one of the city’s most remarkable towers. Designed by Schultz & Weaver in 1927, the French Renaissance rocket is capped by a minaret that would do Arthur Rackham or J.R.R. Tolkien proud. The amazing visuals continue on the interior where the spectacular… Continue reading
768 Fifth Avenue, The Plaza Hotel
Perhaps the most famous of all New York’s hotels, The Plaza Hotel is the masterwork of architect Henry J. Hardenburgh, whose other well-known designs include what is certainly the city’s best-known apartment building, Central Park West’s majestic Dakota. Erected in 1900-1902 some fifteen years after the Dakota, The Plaza’s design swaps out the older building’s… Continue reading
745 Fifth Avenue, The Squibb Building
745 Fifth Avenue, the original Squibb Building, is a major work by the firm of Buchman & Kahn. It was a favorite project of partner Ely Jacques Kahn to the extent that he actually dressed as the building for the famed 1931 Beaux Arts Ball. The Art Deco entrance grill, marble lobby and ceiling mural… Continue reading
730 Fifth Avenue, The Crown Building
A spectacular design by Warren & Wetmore, architects of Grand Central Terminal, the Crown Building at 730 Fifth Avenue and West 57th Street is a neo-Baroque delight. The ornate tower, brilliantly illuminated at night, is visible the length of Fifth Avenue from the north and serves as a distinctive gateway to Midtown from the Central… Continue reading