Do you think New York City architecture is only filled with wood and skyscrapers? Well actually, New York City is a lot more than just that. Below are some buildings that are incredibly beautiful that you must see at least once in your life.
The Frick Collection
Opened to the public in 1935, The Frick Collection is one of the last standing mansions. Named after the founder Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919), the Frick Collection is a museum and residence that includes decorative arts ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. After Frick’s wife died in 1931, John Russell Pope, an American architect, reconstructed the mansions.
Frick’s purpose for creating this mansion was because he wanted to “encourage and develop the study of the fine arts, and of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects.” The most famous part of the mansion is the garden court. In total, there are 16 permanent galleries that hold around 1,5000 artworks. As of right now, however, the Frick Collection is going under construction and is anticipated to be opened in late 2024.
1 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021 , Website, (212)-288-0700
Delmonico’s
Opened in 1837, Delmonico’s started off as a small shop that sold pastries, coffee, chocolate, bonbons, wines, liquors, and Havana cigarettes. It was founded by the Irish-Swiss Delmonico brothers. Chef Charles Ranhofer transformed Delmonico into the first fine dining restaurant in NYC. He also created the restaurant’s identity with their house special, Delmonico steak. Some foods they offer include wild mushroom risotto, king crab garlic spaetzle, and lamb chops. They also have catering services.
56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004Website, Reservation, Menu, (212)-381-1237
Ansonia Hotel (The Ansonia/Ansonia Condominiums)
The Ansonia Hotel began construction in 1899 and opened up to the public in 1904 under architect Paul Duboy, it was New York City’s largest apartment hotel. In 1972, the hotel was officially considered a New York City landmark. It had 2500 rooms and now has been renovated into 425 condos that are available for rent.
Even as the building was renovated with modern touches, the designers kept organism details like glass and mirrored doors with transoms, herringbone hardwood floors, and fragile paneling. The hotel has a 24-hour doorman, porters, concierge, and superintendent who lives there. There is also a garage with 24-hour elevator access, rentable storage bins, and a beautifully landscaped roof deck that shows the Upper West Side.
2109 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Trinity Church
The Trinity Church is an Episcopal Church that was first built in 1697 and later completed its renovation in 1846. During that time, it was considered New York’s tallest building ever to exist, towering at 281 feet tall. Even after the 9/11 attacks, it still stood tall while its neighboring modern buildings broke down. Today, the Trinity Church strives to God’s love to everyone by hosting worship services every week online and at Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Chapel, a music and arts program, a food program for people facing food insecurity, community spaces (Trinity Commons & St. Margaret’s House), and an apartment building for the elderly and disabled.
89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, (212)-602-0800, Website
Chrysler Building
Starting construction in 1928, the Chrysler Building finished building in 1930. It is considered one of the most well-known examples of Art Deco architecture (combines modern elements with traditional). Like the Trinity Church, it was considered one of the tallest buildings at one point standing at 1,050 feet tall, 11 months before it was taken over by the Empire State Building in 1931. As of right now, it has 77 floors. For decoration, there are gargoyles (carved distorted human or animal faces, usually spouting water) surrounding the corners of the 61st floor.
Other modern touches implemented by architect Gensler include new windows, brighter lighting, a new elevator lobby, and flexible floor plates. It’s free which means you can just walk into the building. There’s a club (Chrysler Club) for tenants on the 27th floor and for visitors, there is a cafe with a coffee counter, Chrysler Dinner, and a sushi bar on the lobby level created by architect David Rockwell.
405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, (212)-682-3070, Website