Crown Building

The Crown Building is an architectural structure at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan, standing 127 meters tall. The facade shows limestone and ornate bronze elements in the entrance area, along with balconies on upper floors overlooking the avenue.

The building was finished in 1921 following plans by architectural firm Warren and Wetmore, who also designed Grand Central Terminal. During the 2010s, a major renovation transformed the upper floors into hotel rooms and residential units.

The name refers to a large decorative copper crown that tops the building and lights up at night. The street level shows tall windows and polished stone facades that give walkers a view into luxury shops.

The building sits at a busy intersection and is easily visible from the outside during daytime. Visitors can explore the street level, while upper areas remain accessible only to guests and residents.

The copper crown on the roof has developed a green patina that makes it visible from Central Park South under certain lighting conditions. Few passersby know that the original design called for a building almost twice as tall before the plans were changed.