Rent Office 488 Madison Avenue

488 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, NYC - The Look Building

The Look Building, located at 488 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, was constructed between 1948 and 1950. It was designed by Emery Roth & Sons and developed by Uris Brothers. This 23-story structure is a notable example of mid-20th-century modern architecture, featuring a distinctive white brick façade and ribbon-like windows.

The building served as the headquarters for Look Magazine, a prominent publication known for its photography, until it ceased operations in 1971. Other notable tenants included Esquire Magazine and Witmark & Sons, where Bob Dylan recorded some of his earliest songs.

The Look Building is a testament to the post-war commercial expansion in Midtown Manhattan, reflecting the influence of European Modernism on American architecture. It underwent significant renovations in the late 1990s and again in 2016, preserving its original character while updating its facilities.

Today, the building remains a landmark in Manhattan's architectural landscape, offering a blend of historical significance and modern functionality.

488 Madison Avenue, also known as the Look Building, is a prominent office building located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Situated between 51st and 52nd Streets, it is near iconic landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral and Grand Central Terminal.

Originally designed by Emery Roth & Sons in the International Style, the building was constructed from 1948 to 1950. It features a distinctive white brick facade with horizontal strips of aluminum windows, creating a "light and cheerful" effect. The building's design includes setbacks to comply with the 1916 Zoning Resolution, adding to its architectural appeal.

The Look Building was once the headquarters of Look Magazine until its closure in 1971. Today, it remains a notable landmark in New York City, recognized for its architectural significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

488 Madison Avenue offers several key amenities:

• Attended Marble Lobby
• 24/7 Access
• Full Floor Identity
• Extensive Interior Renovations including new building lobby, retail facade, operable windows, and updated elevators
• Close Proximity to Mass Transit
• Picturesque Views of St. Patrick's Cathedral

488 Madison Avenue, a renowned Midtown Manhattan landmark, is home to a prestigious roster of tenants. Notable current and past tenants include:

• Akabas & Sproule
• Grassi & Co
• Hahn & Hessen
• Municipal Art Society Of NY
• Norman Bobrow & Co Inc.
• Shanholt Glassman Klein
• Esquire Magazine
• Institutional Investor
• Euromoney Publications
• Abbeville Press

This iconic building, designed by Emery Roth & Sons in 1949, offers stunning views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and is strategically located near Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.

488 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, NYC is conveniently located near several transportation options:

• Subway: The nearest subway stations are 51 St (3-minute walk) and 5 Av/53 St (4-minute walk). Subway lines include 6, 6X, E, and M.
• Train: Grand Central Madison is a 4-minute walk away, offering access to various train lines.
• Bus: Nearby bus stops include E 50 St/Madison Av (1-minute walk) and Madison Av/E 51 St (2-minute walk). Bus lines BM2, BM3, BXM10, BXM4, and BXM8 are available.

Cross streets include East 51st Street and East 52nd Street.