330 West 42nd Street, Art Deco skyscraper in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, United States
The McGraw-Hill Building at 330 West 42nd Street is a 33-story skyscraper with a distinctive blue-green terracotta exterior that runs the full height of the structure. Horizontal green metal-framed windows create a rhythmic pattern across the facade, defining its appearance from street level to roof.
The skyscraper was completed in 1931 as the headquarters for McGraw-Hill Companies after architect Raymond Hood designed its modern layout. It marked a turning point in how tall buildings were designed in New York and influenced the approach to office towers in the decades that followed.
The building represents a departure from traditional vertical designs, incorporating horizontal elements that influenced subsequent International Style architecture in New York City.
The building is located in Hell's Kitchen and easily accessible on foot from nearby subway stations and main avenues. Visitors can view the exterior from the street to fully appreciate the facade design and architectural details.
The building was designed to comply with 1916 zoning laws by incorporating setbacks at different floor levels while maintaining its streamlined silhouette. This clever solution demonstrates how architects balanced building codes with artistic vision to create a visually cohesive form.
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