Ever driven a truck up nineteen stories? That’s the Starrett-Lehigh Building for you. Right here before us stands a giant. This isn’t just any building. It’s a 19-story marvel of Art Deco and International Style architecture.
Built between 1930 and 1931 the Starrett-Lehigh Building was a revolutionary design. It was a joint venture between the Starrett Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. They envisioned a freight terminal unlike any other. The building was designed by Cory & Cory with Yasuo Matsui as associate architect. Purdy & Henderson served as consulting structural engineers.
The Starrett-Lehigh Building was more than just a warehouse. It was a vertical city. Trucks drove directly into the building. Three freight elevators acted as vertical streets. They carried trucks to loading bays on every floor. “Every floor a first floor” was the slogan. This innovative system eliminated street-level congestion. It was truly ahead of its time.
The building’s exterior is striking. It features alternating bands of steel strip windows. Brickwork and polygonal corners add to its distinctive look. The massive concrete floor plates are supported by columns set back from the facade. This clever design allowed for continuous window strips. These were unusually large for industrial buildings of that era. The builders installed special expanding and contracting windows. This prevented breakage due to heavy loads.
The Starrett-Lehigh Building’s impact is undeniable. It was featured at the Museum of Modern Art’s 1932 exhibition. Its design inspired other architects for decades. While the rail tracks are gone many original freight areas were converted. Today they are amenity spaces like a billiard room and indoor golf machines.
The Starrett-Lehigh Building’s history is rich. It thrived in the 1940s and 50s. Over 5000 people worked there. But by the 1970s it was 40 percent vacant. Harry Helmsley bought it in 1974. Later renovations attracted dot-com companies then fashion firms. Today it’s a vibrant hub for creative industries. The Starrett-Lehigh Building’s legacy continues. It is a testament to innovative design and adaptation. This building stands as a symbol of New York City’s enduring spirit.