Although its size qualifies as a behemoth, this large rental apartment tower is a good cut above many of its contemporaries in the city because of its very lush landscaping, with fountains, and, more importantly, because of the sculptural quality of its massing.

While its facades are plain, the slight recessing of its outer facades and the indentation of the inner sections of its wings give it a strong sense of verticality. The winged plan opens up more views and coupled with the building's light color mitigates the visual impact of its impressive mass.

The 33-story building, which is known as The Bristol, has 12 apartments per floor and a total of 369 units. It is also known as 1044 Second Avenue and 301 East 55th Street.

It was erected in 1974 by Glenwood Management, one of the city's leading developers of luxury rental apartment buildings.

The building has a driveway, an impresive entrance and double-height lobby, a garage, a health club and sundeck, a bicycle room, a children's room, video security, valet service, a doorman and storage space.

The building is convenient to midtown, the Queensborough Bridge a few blocks to the north, crosstown bus service on 57th Street, excellent shopping and many restaurants.

It is also not far from the Sutton Place neighborhood.