Whereas most slab towers have their main axis along the avenues, this enormous apartment building has its along the cross-street, which affords many of its residents excellent views to the north and south over lower-rise mid-block structures.

Erected in 1975, this 46-story tower has 532 apartments of which 462 are one-bedroom units. The building was converted to a condominium in 1986.

Most apartments have balconies and the building has a one-and-a-half-story-high lobby with a large chandelier and is set back fairly far in a plaza on 79th Street. The entrance, which has a revolving door, is surrounded handsomely by polished red granite under a large marquee. The building has wall lanterns along 79th Street as well as handsome planters that, unfortunately, have spikes to prevent their use as seats. The building has a doorman, a concierge and a garage, but no health club. The dark railings of the building's many balconies create a staccato rhythm with the tower's beige-brick facades that breaks up its huge mass, somewhat, as they are five "columns" of balconies on the cross-street, although only one on the avenue.

This is a very lively section of the Upper East Side with many restaurants nearby as well as charity thrift stores. There is good cross-town bus service, but the closest subway is at 77th Street and Lexington Avenue at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Carter B. Horsley