Famous New York Structures: 570 Lexington Avenue

I decided to take a self-guided walking tour of Midtown's skyscrapers. Here is the G. E. Building, also known as 570 Lexington Avenue. The current G. E. Building is at Rockefeller Center, but this was the  original location of G. E. It's now occupied by multiple commercial offices and owned by Columbia University.

It is famous for its many Art Deco emblems -- at entrances, over windows, at its crown and in the lobby. It was commissioned by RCA, and the tilted zig-zag lightening bolts represented radio waves. But before the building was complete, RCA had chosen another site, and they sold it to G. E. The radio wave emblems easily translated to electrical emblems, so that worked out!

The architects were challenged to compliment but contrast its neighbor, St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. Thus the two structures share the same salmon-colored brick. It has 42 stories above ground, 11 elevators and was constructed in 1931.

This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Its reference number is 03001515.

This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Its reference number is 03001515.

Progress on the Building Outside My Window

I have become used to see construction workers climb ladders on open balconies 20 stories from the ground, but I wonder if the workers ever get used to it.

New York Christmas Windows--Ellie Tahari

Apparently Ellie Tahari thinks tying shoes to our heads with a big black ribbon complete with a large chin-strap bow would be festive this year.