The iconic Seagram Building at 375 Park Ave. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, and a team of architectural legends, this international style masterpiece stands tall in the heart of Midtown. The high-rise tower is 515 feet tall with 38 stories.
Historical Facts:
- Architectural Icon: Designed by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, in collaboration with Philip Johnson, the Seagram Building is considered a quintessential example of the International Style.
- Innovative Design: Completed in 1958, the building’s design set a new standard for skyscrapers with its sleek bronze exterior and the use of tinted glass.
- Landmark Plaza: The Seagram Building was one of the first skyscrapers to include a public plaza, creating an open space in the dense urban environment of Midtown Manhattan.
- Costly Elegance: It was one of the most expensive buildings of its time, with high-quality materials such as bronze, travertine, and marble, reflecting Seagram’s dedication to luxury and quality.
- Lighting Revolution: The building introduced innovative office lighting, using window shades that were uniformly positioned to give the facade a cohesive look, an idea later adopted by many other buildings.
- Preservation: In 1989, the Seagram Building was designated a New York City landmark, ensuring its architectural legacy would be preserved for future generations.
- Green Space: The building’s plaza, with its distinctive fountains and minimalist landscaping, offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
(All pictures by Richard Plehn. Some of the information has been taken from Wikipedia)
