In 1969, a sleek, dark glass tower pierced the Midtown Manhattan skyline. This is Burlington House, also known as 1345 Avenue of the Americas. Burlington House stands tall with its 50 stories, reaching a height of 625 feet. Its imposing presence replaced the original Ziegfeld Theatre, a stark contrast to the glittering entertainment venue that once graced this spot. The building’s design, a classic example of the International Style by Emery Roth & Sons, exudes a corporate aura. The small plaza fronting Burlington House features a unique sprinkling fountain, resembling a giant dandelion seedhead. Now, let’s step back in time to April 3, 1973. Atop Burlington House, Martin Cooper made history. He placed the world’s first public handheld cellular phone call. Can you imagine the scene? Cooper, a Motorola inventor, dialed his rival, Joel S. Engel of Bell Labs, who was conveniently located across the street at the Hilton. The words, announcing the birth of mobile communication, traveled from the rooftop of Burlington House, marking a pivotal moment in technological history. Today, Burlington House is home to prominent tenants like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, First Eagle Funds, and even OpenAI. So, as you gaze up at Burlington House, remember it’s not just a skyscraper. It’s a landmark where innovation and history intersect, a silent witness to the changing landscape of communication and commerce.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to