224 West 57th Street, Office building in Midtown Manhattan, US.
Description
224 West 57th Street is an 11-story building blending Gothic and Romanesque elements through decorative terracotta and ornate arches that span across its facade. The structure features substantial masonry work combined with fine architectural details that shape the character of the block.
History
Francis H. Kimball designed this dual-purpose building in 1909 for two companies during the time when the automotive industry was expanding rapidly in Manhattan. General Motors took control and consolidated both sections in 1918, reflecting the growing dominance of the car industry in the city.
Culture
The ornate terracotta and arches reflect how commercial buildings were designed to impress in the early 1900s, showing what architects valued in office design at that time. These decorative elements remain visible walking past the facade today.
Practical
The building sits near Columbus Circle and is easily accessible while retaining its historic facade for viewing from the street. You can observe the architectural details from the sidewalk and explore the surrounding area filled with other attractions nearby.
Did you know?
After General Motors took over, the building was renamed the Argonaut Building to set it apart from the company's other properties scattered across the city. This naming choice helped distinguish between different locations in the GM portfolio.
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