The latest trend of NYC development has been upward, both in scale and direction. With the Hudson Yards mega-project soaring skywards by the High Line, and new buildings Central Park Tower and 111 West 57th climbing in Midtown West, the movement is undeniably from tall and taller, to tallest.
Amidst the ever-changing city skyline, however, sits 212 Fifth Avenue. Its humble 24 stories of 48 condo residences come from not-so-humble beginnings. At the time of the building’s construction in 1913, it stood as a commercial building. With a height of 300 feet, 212 Fifth Avenue was iconic: one of New York’s first skyscrapers and tallest buildings. Johnson-Kahn commissioned Schwartz & Gross architects to design its dramatic Neo-Medieval style exterior.
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Today, 212 Fifth Avenue stands as the product of a conversion by Thor Equities, Madison Equities, and BLT. Now a residential building with retail at the base, the building was restored by Helpern Architects, who maintained its original Pre-War façade. Pembrooke & Ives designed the interiors to feature hardwood floors, high ceilings, and bright kitchen and dining spaces.
One feature that Helpern was sure to maintain were the building’s large windows, and for good reason. Though buildings across the city more than quadruple 212 Fifth Avenue’s height, there is more than something to be said for the views that come from this structure. Residences look both outward and upward towards the city’s staggering skyline. At the building’s immediate north is the landmark Croisic Building, its beautiful Gothic-style copper mansard roof at the perfect level for residents of 212 to feast their eyes upon. The Empire State Building stands further north in Midtown, with its tradition of ever-changing tower lights a true pleasure for the eyes. Toward the south stands the Flatiron building, of which even the first few floors of 212 Fifth offer perhaps the best in the city. The building’s architecture flows seamlessly with the Pembrooke & Ives interiors; placement of windows truly maximizes the views each apartment offers.
Situated on the northwestern corner of Madison Square Park, 212 Fifth Avenue has simply unparalleled views of this historic landscape. The haven is host to beautiful greenery, bubbling fountains, and benches, drawing people from across the city to relax and enjoy its beautiful haven. This view is that does more than simply overlook beauty from a distance. Its proximity to the iconic park allows feelings of connection toward the community just below the windows to foster.
212 Fifth Avenue’s views are certainly established. With landmark buildings all around its perimeter, and Madison Square Park itself just at its doorstep, these views are both iconic and protected. Let the glassy skyscrapers rise in the distance: all the better to be viewed from 212’s deferential vistas.
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