161 Madison Avenue, New York: A Glimpse into Midtown's Architectural History
161 Madison Avenue, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, is more than just an address; it represents a significant piece of the city's architectural and commercial history. While the building itself may not be as instantly recognizable as some of its towering neighbors, its story is rich and intertwined with the evolution of the New York City skyline. This post delves into the history, significance, and present-day status of this notable Midtown address.
What kind of building is 161 Madison Avenue?
161 Madison Avenue is a commercial building. Its exact architectural style is difficult to definitively label without access to detailed historical blueprints and construction records, but it likely falls under the broader category of early to mid-20th-century commercial architecture common in Midtown Manhattan. Buildings from this era often blend elements of various styles, adapting to the practical needs of business and the aesthetic trends of the time. It's likely a multi-story structure designed to house offices, retail spaces, or a combination thereof. Further research into city records or architectural archives would be necessary to obtain a precise description of its style and design features.
Who owns 161 Madison Avenue?
Unfortunately, publicly available information regarding the current ownership of 161 Madison Avenue is limited. Property records are often not readily accessible to the public without specific legal or professional access. To ascertain the current owner, one would need to consult official New York City property records or engage a real estate professional with access to such databases.
What is the history of 161 Madison Avenue?
Determining the complete history of 161 Madison Avenue requires in-depth archival research. However, we can speculate based on the general development patterns of Midtown Manhattan. The area saw significant construction booms throughout the 20th century, particularly in the mid-century period. The building likely underwent construction sometime during this period, reflecting the architectural trends and building codes of that era. Its history is likely interwoven with the broader economic and social changes affecting Midtown Manhattan throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Understanding its specific history would involve examining city records, construction permits, and potentially contacting local historical societies or architectural experts specializing in New York City's building history.
What businesses are located at 161 Madison Avenue?
Similar to determining ownership, identifying the current tenants at 161 Madison Avenue requires consulting up-to-date business directories and potentially visiting the address in person. Commercial occupancy often fluctuates, and identifying current businesses requires more recent data sources than are typically accessible online.
Is 161 Madison Avenue a landmark building?
Without access to official New York City landmark designation records, it's impossible to definitively state whether 161 Madison Avenue holds landmark status. Many buildings in Midtown Manhattan are not designated landmarks, even those with historical significance. To confirm its landmark status, one would need to consult the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission's records or use their online search tools.
This exploration of 161 Madison Avenue highlights the challenges of accessing comprehensive information about specific commercial buildings in a large city like New York. While this post addresses some common questions, obtaining detailed historical records and current information requires further investigation using appropriate resources.
