500 Fifth Avenue

Manhattan, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

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This 60-story office tower occupies the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and completed in 1931. Built for businessman Walter J. Salmon Sr., the Art Deco structure rises 697 feet and features a distinctive base of bronze, limestone, and terracotta ornamentation below the fourth floor, with brick cladding above. The lower stories are substantially larger than the upper floors, a consequence of the 1916 Zoning Resolution's setback requirements. Upon opening in March 1931, the building showcased then-advanced amenities including fast elevators, abundant natural lighting, and office floor plans designed to maximize well-lit space. Its construction was carefully coordinated with that of the nearby Empire State Building, nine blocks south, though 500 Fifth Avenue received relatively little public attention once its larger neighbor opened. The building was designated a New York City Landmark in 2010.