The Lipstick Building is one of New York City’s most distinctive skyscrapers. Completed in 1986, the 34-story postmodern office building is renowned for its elliptical shape that resembles an opened tube of red lipstick.
The building was designed by Philip Johnson. Its exterior is clad in two shades of red granite and brushed stainless-steel.
Designed by Philip Johnson
Philip Johnson was one of the leading American architects of the twentieth century. He had a vast repertoire of buildings including museums, theatres, libraries, houses and gardens. He was also known for his eclectic style and his ability to design in a wide range of aesthetics.
He was also a pioneer of the International Style and organized Mies van der Rohe’s first visit to the United States. He influenced the movement by planning several iconic structures in the US, including the Seagram Building and his own Glass House.
His work was influential and his designs were highly acclaimed. He was one of the first recipients of the Pritzker Prize, and the first to receive the Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects.
Johnson had an incredibly diverse career, ranging from Modernism to Postmodernism and back again. His designs often had a provocative detail, such as the Chippendale-style pediment atop Manhattan’s pink granite AT&T (now SONY) Building (1984).
He continued to build buildings throughout his life, working with partner John Burgee on a variety of projects, including the twin trapezoid Pennzoil Place in Houston and the 51-story IDS Center in Minneapolis. But he also began to lose faith in the orthodoxies of the International Style he had championed.
During the mid-fifties, he began to take more fuller use of curvilinear forms and historical quotation. These themes were applied to projects such as the Temple Kneses Tifereth Israel in Port Chester, New York, and the art gallery at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C.
In 1972, Johnson completed a new Boston public library adjoining the original McKim, Mead & White designed building. He harmonised the two by using similar proportions and the same pink Milford granite.
Later in his career, Johnson embraced the neoclassical style of architecture. He built several structures in that style, including the Williams Tower in Houston and the 190 South LaSalle Street office building in Chicago.
However, this period in his life was marred by political involvements and support for fascism. In 1934-1940, he was a member of the National Socialist Party in Germany and in 1941, he returned home with enthusiasm for Hitler’s regime.
Located in Midtown
When you think of New York City, you likely envision the bright lights of Times Square and endless skyscrapers. But while those are iconic, Midtown Manhattan is a whole lot more than just the iconic landmarks.
The heart of Manhattan lies in this L-shaped district stretching from Bryant Park to Central Park, from Fifth Avenue to Columbus Circle. One of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers in the world, it is a gleaming testament to urban progress.
This neighborhood has a number of storied buildings that are worth seeing, such as the Empire State Building, which is the tallest structure in the city and is often dubbed the “symbol of New York.” Another building that’s well-known is the Chrysler Building, an architectural gem with a strong Art Deco influence. And the Rockefeller Center is a great place to stop and soak in some of the city’s most stunning architecture.
In addition to the famous landmarks, Midtown is home to many museums and attractions that are sure to pique your interest. These include the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Art, among others.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a tour of some of these buildings or even go up to an observation deck. There are many tours available to choose from, so you should find something that fits your needs and schedule.
You can also do some retail shopping in this area. There are several luxury stores in this neighborhood, including Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. If you’re into fine jewelry, don’t miss the Tiffany & Co store on Fifth Avenue.
The neighborhood is home to a number of high-end residential buildings that offer some of the best views in NYC. This is particularly true of the Flatiron Building and Empire State Building, both of which are located in the midst of the famous Manhattan skyline.
It’s also home to the Belvedere Hotel, a charming, family-friendly hotel that offers excellent accommodations for any budget. The hotel’s amenities include a fitness center, unlimited local calls, package receiving, and a 24-hour front desk to help you make the most of your stay in NYC.
Known for Bernard Madoff’s Offices
The Lipstick Building, located in Midtown Manhattan, is an iconic landmark in New York City. It was constructed in 1986 and features 34 floors. Its offices are known for their reputation as the home of Bernard Madoff’s fraudulent securities business.
When Madoff founded his company, he cultivated close relationships with wealthy investors and their families. He paid them high returns and used their recommendations to attract more investors. He also crafted an image for himself as a straight-shooter with a personal touch.
But that reputation came to an end in 2008 when Madoff admitted to his sons that he was running an elaborate Ponzi scheme that had ripped off tens of thousands of investors and left them stranded with millions of dollars in losses. In December, he was arrested and charged with committing a securities fraud.
According to the Associated Press, Madoff had managed to keep his firm afloat even as the economy crashed in 2008. He had been able to do this because he had enlisted so-called feeder funds that pooled moneys from various investors and then poured them into his firm.
The feeder funds were a key part of the scam, allowing Madoff to avoid detection by financial regulators and earn millions in fees. But they were ultimately wiped out when Madoff’s operations collapsed.
It wasn’t just the investors who suffered from Madoff’s scam; institutions also lost billions of dollars. A Massachusetts charitable organization and a Florida hedge fund among them.
In fact, a number of these organizations had invested their entire endowments with Madoff’s firm. Some of these organizations have since declared bankruptcy.
However, the Lipstick building still has some office space available for lease. International law firm Goulston & Storrs recently inked a deal for the 18th floor, which previously served as the computer and filing floor for Madoff’s firm.
It is unclear how much the space will be going for, but if you’re a business owner who wants to rent the floor that was once home to Madoff’s illegal activity, it might be worth the gamble. As it is, the FBI agents who are currently in charge of the investigation are already in the building and have been working tirelessly to unravel what may be the largest securities swindle in history.
Designed by Dan Shannon
The Lipstick Building is a 453 foot tall skyscraper located in Midtown New York City. It is a modernist structure that was designed by Philip Johnson in 1922. It is constructed of red imperial granite and stainless steel. The elliptical shape of the building allows more natural light to penetrate the surrounding streets than a typical square tower.
The building has received a number of awards for its design including the first ever AIA/IIDA Gold Medal for commercial interiors and the AIA/NYC Urban Design Award. It is currently owned by IRSA and Marciano Investment Group and is the subject of an extensive capital improvements program.
Aside from its awe-inspiring architecture, the Lipstick Building has one of the most elegantly designed lobby spaces in the city. The lobby is a 9-meter high curved space that is surrounded by columns, making it an architectural marvel. The aforementioned curved foyer also houses a handful of interesting and innovative features like a marbled floor and ceilings, and an air conditioning system that is designed to blast pleasantly cool temperatures in the middle of the day.
Dan Shannon is an internationally renowned designer of commercial buildings with a clear commitment to the philosophies of modernism and urbanism. As Managing Partner at MdeAS Architects in New York, he has nearly four decades of experience providing creative and innovative solutions to complex architectural challenges. His clear eye for detail and commitment to the best materials enlivens his projects with character and integrity. The firm’s re-definition as MdeAS Architects is a testament to his leadership and innovative design capabilities. The firm has a number of notable projects to its credit, including Gotham Center, 510 Madison Avenue, the rejuvenation of the GM Building plaza, and 645 Fifth Avenue.
