| Bulding Address: | 1 Union Sq W, New York NY 10003 |
| Building Name: | 1 Union Square West |
| Building Alternate address: | 1 Union Sq W |
| Zip Code: | 10003 |
| Neighborhood: | Gramercy Park |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 9 |
| Year Built: | 1890 |
| Building Class: | B |
| Block & lot: | 00842-0021 |
History of 1 Union Square West, Manhattan, NYC
The Lincoln Building, also known as One Union Square West, is a distinguished Neo-Romanesque office building located at the northwest corner of Union Square West and 14th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Designed by architect R. H. Robertson and erected between 1889 and 1890, it features a masonry façade with intricate terracotta detailing and an internal structural system of metal framing.
The site originally belonged to the farm of Henry Spingler and was part of the greater Union Square area, which was first laid out in the Commissioners' Plan of 1811. Union Square was transformed into a public park in 1839, initially surrounded by mansions that gradually gave way to commercial development following the American Civil War. The Spingler family retained ownership of the land beneath the western side of Union Square up until 1958, leasing it to various tenants.
The Lincoln Building was constructed on the location of four previous smaller buildings, a site prized as part of Broadway for practical purposes. Though initially planned as a ten-story tower, the final structure completed in 1890 comprised nine stories. Early occupants included architects, garment businesses, and companies related to the building trades. Notably, the New York Motion Picture Company established an office there in 1910, and Universal Film Manufacturing Company (now Universal Pictures) was founded at the building in 1912.
Architecturally, the Lincoln Building is regarded as an early example of a "transitional skyscraper," blending traditional load-bearing masonry walls with an interior steel and cast iron frame, anticipating later skyscraper construction methods. The design employs a classical columnar form divided into base, shaft, and capital, and features two-story arcades and stacked floor arrangements that emphasize both verticality and horizontality. Its façade includes rock-faced Indiana limestone, granite, brick, and terra cotta, adorned with ornamental carvings drawn from medieval Romanesque, Byzantine, Norman, and Celtic influences. A prominent carved griffin flagpole base at the seventh floor corner is a signature decorative element.
The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and was designated a New York City Landmark in 1988, recognized for its architectural significance and its role in the evolution of office building design in New York City.
1 Union Sq W, Manhattan, NYC is also known as 1 Union Square West, located in the Flatiron District. It is a landmark building designed in the Romanesque Revival style, featuring a highly decorated facade.
The area around 1 Union Square West is vibrant, with major sectors including technology, media, advertising, hospitality, finance, real estate, and design. It offers easy access to popular retailers and is close to major subway stations.
1 Union Square West offers several amenities including:
- 24/7 Access
- Attended Lobby
- Turnstile
- High Ceilings
- Natural Light
- Plug & Play Offices
- Central Air Conditioning
- Property Manager on Site
- Public Transportation Access (Metro/Subway, Bus Line)
1 Union Square West, located in the heart of Manhattan's Union Square, hosts a diverse mix of tenants. Some of the most notable include:
- Reebok
- Buchbinder & Warren
- Frampton Co
- Dystel & Goderich Literary
Historically, the building was also home to Universal Film Manufacturing Company, which later became Universal Pictures, and the Order of the Old Colony, an insurance firm.
Internet Providers at 1 Union Sq W, Manhattan, NYC
Here are some of the notable internet service providers available in the Manhattan area, which might serve 1 Union Sq W:
- Verizon Fios: Known for its fast, symmetrical fiber-optic speeds and competitive pricing. It's a top choice for reliable internet in New York City.
- Starry Internet: Offers wireless high-speed internet without hidden fees or contracts, starting at $40/month. It's available in several Manhattan areas, including Union Square.
- Astound Broadband: Provides fast speeds with affordable plans, such as a 1,500Mbps plan for $55/month.
- Spectrum: Offers fast home internet with reliable network connections and options for bundling with TV services.
- The Telecom Company: Specializes in business-class fiber internet, but also offers residential fiber options. However, pricing details are typically provided upon inquiry.
Availability and pricing may vary depending on your specific location within the building.
Transportation and Cross Streets at 1 Union Sq W, Manhattan, NYC
Location: 1 Union Square West, Manhattan, New York City
Nearby Subway Stations
- 14 St-Union Sq Station: 2-minute walk; serves lines 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W
- E 14 St/University Pl Station: 1-minute walk; bus stop nearby
Subway Lines Serving the Area
- 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W, E, F, M
Bus Routes Nearby
- BM3, M1, M2, M3, M14D-SBS, M14A-SBS, M101, M103, DOWNTOWN LOCAL
Nearest Bus Stops
- E 14 St/University Pl (1-minute walk)
- Broadway & E 14th St (2-minute walk)
- Broadway & E 13th St (2-minute walk)
- Union Sq East / E 15 St (4-minute walk)
- 5 Av / W 14 St (4-minute walk)
Cross Streets
Union Square West intersects with East 14th Street and is close to Broadway, University Place, and Union Square East at this location.