| Bulding Address: | 401 Fifth Ave, New York NY 10016 |
| Building Alternate address: | 401 5th Ave |
| Zip Code: | 10016 |
| Neighborhood: | Murray Hill |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 8 |
| Year Built: | 1905 |
| Building Class: | B |
| Block & lot: | 00866-0076 |
The Tiffany and Company Building, located at 401 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, is a historic eight-story commercial structure designed by Stanford White of the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. Constructed between 1903 and 1905, it was originally built as the flagship store for the renowned jewelry company Tiffany & Co. The building is a notable example of Renaissance Revival architecture, inspired by the Venetian Palazzo Grimani di San Luca in Italy, featuring an ornate facade of white marble accented with iron and terracotta details.
Upon its opening on September 5, 1905, the Tiffany Building was celebrated for its luxurious design and quickly became a symbol of wealth and high-end retail in Midtown Manhattan. The building's facade is organized into five bays facing Fifth Avenue and seven bays along 37th Street, originally featuring clear wire glass for fireproofing that was practically invisible to onlookers. The structure includes elaborate Corinthian columns and richly detailed classical elements. The Tiffany store at this location was known for exclusive luxury goods, ranging from modestly priced items to extravagant necklaces valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Throughout the early 20th century, the Tiffany Building exemplified the northward expansion of upscale retail along Fifth Avenue, transitioning the area from primarily residential to a thriving commercial district. The store played a pivotal role in establishing the avenue as a premier shopping destination for the wealthy and elite. During World War I, Tiffany & Co. shifted operations temporarily to produce surgical instruments for the government, before returning to its luxury goods focus in the post-war period. Despite facing financial challenges during the Great Depression, the building remained a landmark of opulence.
In 1940, Tiffany & Co. moved its flagship store uptown to 727 Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. Following this move, the 401 Fifth Avenue building experienced alterations, including the removal and later restoration of its street-level Corinthian columns. A significant restoration effort in 2003 revived much of the building's original architectural grandeur, reversing earlier mid-century modifications that had obscured its classical facade. The building's exterior marble has been carefully conserved through specialized programs involving mortar analysis, cleaning, and repair techniques to maintain its historic character.
Today, the former Tiffany and Company Building stands as a designated New York City Landmark and National Historic Landmark, recognized for its architectural distinction and its integral connection to Tiffany & Co.'s history and the broader commercial evolution of Fifth Avenue.
401 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City
Also known as the Tiffany and Company Building, this historic commercial structure is located at the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and 37th Street in Midtown Manhattan.
Key Details
- Address: 401 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
- Secondary Address: 2-4 East 37th Street
- Neighborhood: Murray Hill, Manhattan
- Building Class: Office with Commercial 7-19 Stories
- Year Built: 1905-1906
- Stories: 8
- Lot Size: Approximately 17,048 sq ft (117 ft x 152 ft)
- Building Size: Around 156,751 sq ft
Architectural and Historical Significance
The building was designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White in the Renaissance Revival style and originally served as the flagship store for Tiffany & Co. It is a New York City designated landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
Location and Surroundings
Situated in Midtown East, 401 Fifth Avenue is near notable landmarks and buildings such as The Langham, New York hotel to the west, Lord & Taylor Building one block north, and the Morgan Library & Museum one block east. The site is part of the vibrant Fifth Avenue corridor, which expanded northward in the early 20th century from lower Manhattan.
Building Amenities at 401 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC:
- 24/7 Doorman
- Elevator
- Fitness Facility
- Bike Storage
- Package Storage
- Heat and Hot Water Included
- Smoke-Free
401 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC Office Tenants
The Tiffany and Company Building at 401 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, has a rich history of tenants. Historically, it was leased by notable companies and organizations:
- American Red Cross: In the early 1940s, they hosted events like home-nursing courses and volunteer art exhibitions.
- Textron: Remodeled parts of the building and occupied space, planning to eventually use the entire building.
- Office of Price Stabilization: Briefly occupied the building until early 1952.
- Allied Stores: Leased floors in the building from 1950.
- American Eagle Outfitters: Occupied two floors at the end of the 20th century.
- The Image Group: Produced shows like The Ricki Lake Show and The People's Court in the building.
Currently, the building is home to various retail tenants including TD Bank, Yankee Clubhouse, Langham Place Hotel, Ai Fiori, Ricky’s, Pret-A-Manger, Starbucks, Citibank, City Sports, Panera Bread among others.
Internet Providers at 401 Fifth Ave, Manhattan, NYC
The following internet providers serve the building at 401 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC, offering high-speed fiber internet options:
| Provider |
Technology |
Max Download Speed |
Max Upload Speed |
| Lightower |
Fiber |
10 Gb/s |
10 Gb/s |
| Level 3 Communications |
Fiber |
10 Gb/s |
10 Gb/s |
Additionally, major providers commonly available in Manhattan include:
- Verizon Fios: Fiber internet known for high speeds up to 2.3 Gbps, reliable service, and plans starting around $34.99/mo.
- Astound Broadband (powered by RCN): Cable and fiber services with affordable plans starting near $25-$35/mo. and speeds up to 1.5 Gbps.
- Spectrum: Widely available cable and fiber with speeds up to 1 Gbps and competitive pricing starting at $30/mo.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: 5G home internet service available in many parts of Manhattan, suitable for small to mid-sized households.
401 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, is conveniently located near several transportation options. The nearest subway stations include 5 Av/53 St and 47-50 Streets stations, which are easily accessible. For those traveling by train, nearby routes include the HARLEM, HUDSON, NEW HAVEN, DANBURY, and NEW CANAAN lines. If you prefer buses, options such as the M1, M116, and M60-SBS pass nearby.
Located in the Murray Hill neighborhood, the building's cross streets are Fifth Avenue and 37th Street. This historic building has been an iconic part of Manhattan's Midtown since its construction in 1905.
