New York Life Insurance Company Building

108 Leonard; 346 Broadway; Clock Tower Building

Description

The exterior is largely made of marble, and each elevation of the facade is divided vertically into multiple bays. Although the main entrance is on Leonard Street, the western and eastern ends also contain entrances and are clad with rusticated stone blocks. On the upper stories, band courses run horizontally across the facade, and there are arched and rectangular windows. Along Broadway, above the 12th story, is an ornate clock tower, with a mechanically wound clock. A two-story penthouse is placed above the original roof. Inside the building are 152 condominium residences. The entrances lead to various lobbies, stairs, and hallways, some of which are elaborately decorated. In addition, there is a banquet hall within a former banking room near Lafayette Street; former executive offices on the lower floors; and residential amenities in the cellar and on the roof.

Constructed, 1894

The present building at 346 Broadway was constructed in two phases, replacing a previous structure built in 1870. The eastern section was completed in 1896 as an annex of the previous building, while the western section was built in 1898 to replace the older building entirely. McKim, Meade & White took over the design of this building after architect Stephen Hatch died a month after construction began. Extending an entire avenue block, the Broadway side of this monumental neo-Italian Renaissance skyscraper boasts a palazzo-style façade and clock tower.

Moved, 1928

New York Life occupied the rebuilt edifice for three decades, moving to 51 Madison Avenue in 1928, although the firm continued to own the building until 1945. Clothing firms also rented space in the building during the early 20th century, and 346 Broadway hosted various U.S. federal and New York state government offices from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Purchased, 1967

New York City government acquired the building in 1967, the structure housed the Summons Court and other judicial functions, as well as an art gallery.

Converted, 2013

Renovated it for residential use

Designations

National Register of Historic Places in June 28, 1982

New York City Landmark in Feb 10, 1987

Related Sites

Madison Square Garden-Madison Square Garden II was unsuccessful like the first Garden, and the New York Life Insurance Company, which held the mortgage on it, decided to tear it down in 1925 to make way for a new headquarters building, which would become the landmark Cass Gilbert-designed New York Life Building.

Phone App
Membership
Add Content
FAQ
Help
Contact Us

Newsletter Sign Up

37-24, 24th St, Suite 102, Long Island City, NY 11101