601 Lexington Avenue: History, Facts & More You Need To Know

Have you ever looked up at a skyscraper and wondered about the secrets it holds, the history embedded in its steel and glass? 601 Lexington Avenue, formerly known as Citigroup Center, is more than just a building; it's a testament to architectural innovation, a reflection of New York City's ever-evolving skyline, and a structure intertwined with both engineering triumph and near-disaster.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, specifically at 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, this iconic building stands tall at the intersection of 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue. Its striking 45-degree angled roof makes it an unmistakable landmark. But the story of 601 Lexington Avenue extends far beyond its distinctive silhouette. The building, completed in 1977, broke the mold of traditional skyscraper design. Instead of the conventional flat roof, the architects opted for a bold, tilted deck, a feature that immediately set it apart from its peers. Its not just the aesthetics that make this building noteworthy; it's the complex engineering and the fascinating history that lies beneath the surface.

The story begins much earlier than 1977. The land on which 601 Lexington Avenue now stands has its own rich history. The northwest corner of the site was once home to St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, founded in 1862. The church played a vital role in the community for many years. In 1905, St. Peters moved to a new location at 54th Street and Lexington Avenue. Decades later, as plans for the Citicorp Center took shape, the churchs presence became a crucial element in the building's design. The church refused to be bought out, which led to the unique structural solution that defines 601 Lexington Avenue. This refusal ultimately granted the developers the opportunity to create something truly remarkable, a building that would forever alter the Manhattan skyline.

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The design of 601 Lexington Avenue was not without its challenges. The need to accommodate St. Peters Lutheran Church, which occupied a corner of the building site at 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue, led to an unconventional approach. The church's steadfast refusal to relocate forced the architects and engineers to devise a plan that would allow the skyscraper to coexist with the existing structure. This resulted in the building being supported by four massive stilts, a design that seemingly defied gravity. The decision to place the building's weight on these four points, rather than a traditional foundation, was an engineering feat that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible at the time.

William LeMessurier, the structural engineer behind the Citicorp Center, faced a monumental task. His innovative design called for the building's load to be supported by these four stilts, each positioned in the center of each side rather than at the corners. This decision allowed for the construction of the church beneath one corner of the building. However, this design choice also presented significant challenges, particularly regarding the building's ability to withstand strong winds. The original design calculations were based on wind forces hitting the building squarely, but LeMessurier later discovered that quartering winds, hitting the building at a 45-degree angle, would create significantly higher stress on the structure.

This realization sparked a crisis. LeMessurier calculated that under certain wind conditions, the building could potentially collapse. He immediately alerted Citicorp and began working on a solution. The solution involved welding steel plates to reinforce the building's joints, a process that had to be carried out discreetly to avoid public panic. This emergency repair work was completed in secret during the summer of 1978, a time when New York City was particularly vulnerable due to a transit strike. The story of this near-disaster remained largely unknown to the public for many years, a testament to the swift and decisive action taken by LeMessurier and Citicorp.

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The architectural firm of Hugh Stubbins & Associates collaborated with LeMessurier to bring the vision of 601 Lexington Avenue to life. Stubbins, known for his modernist designs, worked closely with LeMessurier to create a building that was both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. The building's sleek lines, combined with its distinctive angled roof, made it an instant icon. The design reflected the modernist principles of the time, emphasizing functionality and simplicity. The choice of materials, primarily steel and glass, further contributed to the building's modern aesthetic. 601 Lexington Avenue became a symbol of New York City's architectural prowess, a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its designers.

Upon its completion, 601 Lexington Avenue, then known as Citicorp Center, was the 9th tallest skyscraper in the world. This achievement solidified its place among the architectural giants of the time. The building not only provided office space but also included a shopping concourse and a subway station beneath it, making it an integral part of the city's infrastructure. The presence of a subway station directly accessible from the building was a significant convenience for tenants and visitors alike. The shopping concourse offered a variety of retail options, further enhancing the building's appeal. 601 Lexington Avenue was more than just an office tower; it was a self-contained urban ecosystem.

Over the years, the building has undergone several changes in ownership and branding. The Citicorp Center eventually became the Citigroup Center and is now officially known as 601 Lexington Avenue. Today, the building is owned by Boston Properties, a real estate investment trust that owns and manages premier properties in major U.S. markets. In 2009, the building was officially renamed 601 Lexington Avenue, marking a new chapter in its history. Despite these changes, the building's iconic design and its significance to the New York City skyline remain unchanged.

Currently, 601 Lexington Avenue is undergoing a significant revamp. Global architecture firm Gensler's New York office is leading a project totaling 200,000 square feet, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the building's interior spaces. This revitalization project seeks to update the building's amenities and improve the overall tenant experience. The revamp will include upgrades to the lobby, common areas, and office spaces, ensuring that 601 Lexington Avenue remains a competitive and attractive location for businesses. This investment underscores the ongoing importance of the building in the Midtown Manhattan commercial real estate market.

601 Lexington Avenue is more than just a building; it is a symbol of New York City's resilience and innovation. Its history is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of engineering excellence, and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The story of the near-disaster in 1978 serves as a reminder of the critical role that structural engineers play in ensuring the safety of our buildings. The building embodies the distinctive characteristic features of the time in which it was built and the modern style. It stands as a reminder that even the most ambitious architectural projects can be realized with careful planning, innovative design, and a commitment to safety.

The building's location at 601 Lexington Avenue places it in the heart of Midtown East, a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood. The area is known for its bustling streets, world-class restaurants, and iconic landmarks. 601 Lexington Avenue is located directly across from 599 Lexington Avenue, another prominent office tower. The building's proximity to major transportation hubs, including subway lines and bus routes, makes it easily accessible from all parts of the city. Its central location also provides convenient access to a wide range of amenities, including hotels, shops, and cultural attractions.

601 Lexington Avenue offers a variety of amenities for its tenants. It is part of Boston Properties' Midtown campus and has direct access to a subway station, providing convenient transportation options. The building also features modern office spaces, high-speed internet connectivity, and state-of-the-art security systems. In addition, tenants have access to a range of services, including on-site management, concierge services, and a fitness center. These amenities are designed to create a comfortable and productive work environment for the building's occupants.

For those seeking versatile meeting and event spaces, etc.venues 601 Lexington Avenue offers a range of options. Located in Manhattan's Midtown East, this venue maximizes flexibility and provides state-of-the-art facilities for conferences, meetings, and other events. The venue features customizable spaces, advanced audio-visual equipment, and dedicated event staff to ensure a seamless and successful event. Its central location and easy access to transportation make it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations looking to host events in New York City.

While 601 Lexington Avenue in New York City is renowned for its architectural significance, it's important to note that there are other locations with similar addresses. For instance, there is a residential property located at 601 Lexington Avenue in Johnstown, PA 15902. This is a single-family home with 3 beds, 1 bath, and 1406 sq ft. The house was built in 1956 and sold for $75,000 on April 25, 2025. The Zestimate for this property is $75,100, and the rent Zestimate is $1,137/mo. It's crucial to differentiate between these locations to avoid confusion. While one is a world-famous skyscraper in Manhattan, the other is a modest family home in Pennsylvania.

The legacy of 601 Lexington Avenue continues to evolve. From its origins as the Citicorp Center to its current status as a premier office tower owned by Boston Properties, the building has remained a prominent feature of the New York City skyline. Its distinctive design, its rich history, and its ongoing revitalization ensure that it will continue to be a landmark for generations to come. The story of 601 Lexington Avenue is a testament to the enduring power of architecture to shape our cities and inspire our imaginations. The building, now known as citigroup center, was designed by william lemessurier and completed in 1977. It is part of bxp's midtown campus and has direct access to a subway station.

In conclusion, 601 Lexington Avenue stands as a symbol of architectural innovation and urban resilience. Its distinctive design, complex history, and prime location make it a significant landmark in New York City. The building's ongoing revitalization ensures that it will continue to be a vital part of the city's skyline for years to come. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of urban landscapes, 601 Lexington Avenue is a building that deserves your attention. Its precise street address is 601 lexington avenue, new york, ny. You can also find it on the map here.