Postmodern Midtown Tower Designated Landmark Before Redevelopment

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — The city Landmarks Preservation Commission has thwarted plans to deface the facade of a postmodern Midtown skyscraper by designating the building a city landmark, the commission announced Tuesday.

The LPC voted to designated 550 Madison Ave. an individual landmark Tuesday, despite the fact that it was completed in the 80s and renovated in the 90s. The tower, also known as the AT&T Building and Sony Tower for its previous tenants, is hailed as an icon of the postmodern style of architecture.

"I am thrilled the Commission has recognized the importance of the AT&T Corporate Headquarters Building," Landmarks Preservation Commission Vice Chair Frederick Bland. "This is the building that established postmodernism as a legitimate architectural movement. It deserves to be preserved for future generations."

At 34-years-old the 37-story tower is younger than many other New York City buildings given individual landmarks status, but the LPC had to act quickly to preserve it. Architecture firm Snøhetta announced in October that it had been hired to redesign the building's bleak, granite facade. The firm planned to replace the facade with large glass windows, upgrade retail space in the building's base floors and double the building's public space to include a large outdoor garden, according to a press release.

Now that the building is a landmark, developers will have to go before the LPC in order to get any redevelopment plans approved. Executives at the development firm RXR Realty have previously stated they will await the LPC's decision before submitting new plans to redevelop the building lobby and the ground-floor public spaces.

The building's owners applauded the LPC's decision to landmark 550 Madison Ave., despite the fact that it will make a redevelopment more taxing.

"We are proud that 550 Madison is now an official New York City landmark, claiming its place in our city’s architectural heritage. Ownership strongly supports designation of the iconic office tower and applauds the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s decision," the owners said in a statement.

Building ownership said it is looking forward to "an ongoing dialogue with the LPC" regarding "smart and sensitive modifications to serve modern tenants."

The Philip Johnson- and John Burgee-designed tower was built between 1978 and 1984 on Madison Avenue between East 55th and 56th streets. The building's postmodern design — featuring a pinkish-gray granite facade, flat arches and a unique broken crown — has generated is share of admirers for breaking the mold of New York City skyscraper design. The building is considered the first skyscraper designed in the postmodern style.

"Today’s designation of 550 Madison as a landmark secures its rightful place among the great architectural staples of New York City," City Councilman Keith Powers said in a statement. "I applaud the advocates and groups that understood the significance of this postmodern landmark and fought to ensure its preservation."

Rendering of initial renovation proposal courtesy Snøhetta