53rd Street Stroll

There are so many architecturally important buildings and sights in the area around 53rd Street, that a list seemed in order. This one walks you through some of the highlights. Let me know if I've missed anything.

1. United Nations Plaza Apartments
1st Ave & 44th Street
Former residents include Truman Capote and Robert Kennedy when he ran for the Senate in 1964.
2. Mitchell Place
E 49th Street, btw 1st Ave & Beekman
A one-block street named for a distinguished jurist of the 19th century.


3. Beekman Tower
3 Mitchell Place, 49th Street east of 1st Ave.
Some of the bricks in this 1930's modernist building bear the Greek letters of prominent college sororities because it was originally built to be the Panhellenic Hotel, a residence for college alumnae who were sorority members.
4. Top of the Tower Restaurant
3 Mitchell Place, 26th Floor
Open daily for dinner and late-night meals. Obsidian glass table-tops and a grand piano casts a certain mood.
5. Luxembourg Mission to the United Nations
17 Beekman Place, E 50th Street
This elegant townhouse used to be the home of American composer Irving Berlin before it became the consulate of Luxembourg.
6. Former home of Paul Rudolph
23 Beekman Place, E 50th Street
Wrought-iron balconies and gorgeous detailing.
7. Wood framed houses #312 & #314
E 53rd Street btw 1st Ave & 2nd Ave
The last two wood-framed houses standing in mid-town Manhattan.
8. Seagram Building
375 Park Ave btw E 52nd & E 53rd
The only building by architect Mies van der Rohe in New York. It has a distinctive plaza with two beautiful reflecting pools, and the building is made of bronze and bronze-glass.
9. The Four Seasons
99 E 52nd Street
Inside the Seagram building, its decor features several original Mies van der Rohe barcelona chairs, plus a couple of Picassos. The interior is so impressive that it has its own designation as an official landmark.
10. Lever House
390 Park Avenue btw E 53rd & E 54th Streets
Emerald glass and stainless steel, in striking contrast to the surrounding buildings.
11. Racquet and Tennis Club
370 Park Ave btw E 52nd and E 53rd Streets
Made of heavy stone work, this place sold its air rights in 1981, and the results can be seen in the giant 44-story monolith that runs from 52nd to 53rd Streets.
12. Segment of the Berlin Wall
E 53rd Street btw Fifth Ave & Madison Ave.
Mounted by a fountain in a little plaza, filled with graffiti on one side and totally clean on the side that faced the East.
13. Samuel Paley Plaza
3 E 53rd Street btw Fifth Ave & Madison Ave
Lovely waterfall, relaxing, and an island of tranquility among the midtown bustle.
14. St. Thomas Church and Parish House
1 W 53rd Street at Fifth Ave.
Noted for an excellent male choir, and the choir screen is impressive artwork.
15. (former) Tishman Building
666 Fifth Avenue btw 52nd & 53rd Street
You have to know to go in the lobby, where there is a waterfall designed by Isamu Noguchi.
16. Museum of Modern Art
11 W 53rd Street btw 5th & 6th Ave.
Currently still under renovation, but coming soon.
17. CBS Building
51 W 52nd Street at 6th Ave.
Only high-rise building designed by architect Eero Saarinen, a Finnish-American master architect who designed every little detail of this building, down to its ashtrays.