History of 18 East 41st Street, Manhattan, NYC
18 East 41st Street is an early skyscraper completed in 1914, notable for its striking white, beige, and blue terra-cotta facade. It was one of the first phases of commercial development in East Midtown, a period marked by the construction of various high-rise buildings near Grand Central Terminal.
The building was designed by the architectural firm George & Edward Blum, celebrated for their unique and unusual ornamental facades. At twenty-one stories tall, it predates the 1916 zoning resolution and rises without setbacks, showcasing a strong vertical emphasis created by the interplay of thick and thin piers.
Architecturally, 18 East 41st Street is an early example of neo-Gothic style skyscrapers in New York City. Its elaborate terra-cotta decoration incorporates influences from medieval European cathedrals as well as modern design trends of the early 20th century, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Josef Hoffmann. The building features sculpted window frames, distinctive grid patterns, pointed arches, and angled projections on its upper stories.
Originally, the building included a five-room penthouse apartment on the roof designed to resemble a bungalow-type residence. This penthouse was occupied by notable figures such as Broadway actor Donald Brian and movie director Dudley Murphy. Additionally, the roof housed a speakeasy that was shut down by prohibition agents in 1932.
Throughout its history, the building has hosted a variety of tenants including private clubs, publishers, doctors, architects, and medical offices. It also served as a site for exhibitions related to home builders and architectural designs, reflecting its status as an upscale office building with modern amenities of the time, such as four high-speed elevators and ample light exposure on all sides.
Though the building’s base has undergone respectful modifications, the majority of the facade remains unchanged, retaining its historic character. The facade’s Gothic Revival elements, including floriform clusters, trailing vines, and heraldic shields, continue to make 18 East 41st Street a striking architectural landmark in Midtown Manhattan.
Designated as an individual landmark in 2016, this building represents one of Midtown’s earliest and finest examples of early 20th-century skyscraper design, marking an important chapter in New York City’s architectural and commercial development.
18 East 41st Street, Manhattan, NYC
Location: Midtown South, Manhattan, New York, NY 10017
Building Details:
- 22 stories
- 42 units
- Built in 1950, with last alteration in 1986
- Building size: 92,949 sq. ft.
- Lot size: 4,950 sq. ft. (50 ft x 99 ft)
- Building class: Office Only with or without Commercial - 20 Stories or More (O4)
- Zoning District: C5-2.5
Neighborhood: Murray Hill, Midtown South
Office Space Available Highlights
- 7th Floor, Suite 701: 2,613 SF - Office space available now
- 8th Floor, Suite 802: 892 SF - Full build-out, available now
- 8th Floor, Suite 806: 1,680 SF - Office, available now
- 10th Floor: 5,200 SF - Office, available now
- 12th Floor, Suite 1202: 2,219 SF - Office, available now
- 13th Floor: 5,200 SF - Office, available now
- 19th Floor, Suite 1902: 1,884 SF - Full build-out, available now
- Penthouse, Suite PH: 4,000 SF - Built and furnished, large private outdoor patio
Rental Rate: Approximately $45.00 /SF/YR (negotiable)
Property Features
- 24 Hour Access
- Bus Line and Metro/Subway access nearby
- Energy Star Labeled building
- Near Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and Port Authority Bus Terminal
Nearby Amenities and Schools
- Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts (Public, grades 9-12) - 0.3 mi
- Murray Hill Academy (Public, grades 9-12) - 0.4 mi
- Unity Center For Urban Technologies (Public, grades 9-12) - 0.4 mi
- Manhattan Academy For Arts And Languages (Public, grades 9-12) - 0.4 mi
18 East 41st Street, Manhattan, is strategically located near several major transportation hubs, including:
