689 Fifth Avenue

689 Fifth Avenue is a fifteen-story office building constructed from limestone and marble at the corner of 54th Street, distinguished by setbacks along its upper floors that create visual rhythm. The structure houses twenty-three commercial units distributed across its height, with entrances and windows oriented toward the street frontages.

The building was constructed between 1925 and 1927 by architects Warren and Wetmore on a site that had previously held William Rockefeller's private residence. This project was part of Manhattan's shift from residential to commercial use during the 1920s development boom.

The building stands as an example of how Fifth Avenue transformed into a corridor of prestigious commerce during the early 20th century. Its classical style reflects the architectural standards that defined this major thoroughfare during that era of change.

The building sits at a busy intersection with convenient access to multiple subway stations within a short walk. Wide sidewalks and the central location on Fifth Avenue make it easy to navigate the surrounding neighborhood and reach nearby shops and services.

Elizabeth Arden purchased the building in 1944 and converted five upper floors into a luxury cosmetics headquarters, complete with its own ground-level entrance. This transformation combined retail operations with administrative offices in a single prestigious address.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1920s

Architects: Warren and Wetmore

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Floors above the ground: 15

Address: 689 5th Avenue

GPS coordinates: 40.76103,-73.97427

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44