The Helmsley Building

1929

Architect: Warren & Wetmore

Address: 230 Park Avenue, Manhattan

About as elegant a building that you can possibly have while at the same time having an endless parade of taxis, Ubers, and delivery trucks running through its base, The Helmsley Building (originally called the New York Central Building) has been presiding over Park Avenue’s northern stretch since 1929. Its views south to Grand Central Station and beyond have been blocked by the MetLife Building (originally the PamAm Building) since 1959, which probably made more than a few tenants grumpy. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most exquisitely lit building in all of New York, making my job extremely easy…