Gargoyle-shaped water spouts guard the top of the Graybar Building. But they are not the only sculptures you will find here. Let’s uncover the history of this Art Deco masterpiece. The Graybar Building is not just another office building. It is a designated landmark with a story etched in its very walls.
The Graybar Building stands tall at 420-430 Lexington Avenue. It is nestled between 43rd and 44th Streets. Its location is prime, adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. It is a 30-story office building, a significant part of Midtown Manhattan. The Graybar Building is also known as 420 Lexington Avenue.
Imagine a time when railroads shaped New York. Grand Central Depot stood here in 1871. Later, Grand Central Station replaced it in 1900. The Graybar Building’s site was once part of the Grand Central Palace. A fatal train crash in 1902 led to a new underground terminal. The Graybar Building emerged as part of Terminal City. This was a collection of buildings above Grand Central’s tracks.
Sloan & Robertson designed the Graybar Building in the Art Deco style. Clyde R. Place was the consulting engineer. Construction began in 1925. Originally, it was known as the Eastern Terminal Office Building. But Graybar Electric Company became a major lessee. The building was then renamed in 1926. The Graybar Building officially opened in April 1927. Within a year, it was fully leased.
The Graybar Building’s architecture is unique. It was built to comply with the 1916 Zoning Resolution. The building has setbacks and light courts. Its western part is shaped like an “H”. The eastern part forms a “C”. These shapes create three light courts. This design allowed for ample natural light. The building boasts over 4300 window openings. The Lexington Avenue facade includes setbacks on multiple floors. This was intended to allow light to reach the streets below.
Look closely at the facade. The base is made of limestone. The rest is brick and Indiana Limestone. Black brick spandrels create subtle vertical bands. These accentuate the building’s height. Notice the three entrance portals on Lexington Avenue. The southernmost portal leads to the Graybar Passage. This connects to Grand Central Terminal. Metal figures of rats adorn the portal. These symbolize New York as a transportation hub.
Step inside the Graybar Passage. It is one of three passageways linking Grand Central to Lexington Avenue. The ceiling soars to 28 feet. It widens to 60 feet at the western end. Look up at the groin vaults. Edward Trumbull’s 1927 mural depicts American transportation.
The Graybar Building’s foundations are impressive. They are anchored to the bedrock below. Architects embedded lead sheets in concrete. This was done to absorb vibrations from passing trains. The basements extend Grand Central Terminal. They house tracks, platforms, and the M42 electrical substation.
The Graybar Building has seen many changes in ownership. SL Green Realty is the current owner since 1998. They acquired the sublease. In 2016, the Graybar Building was designated a New York City landmark. This protects it from demolition.
The Graybar Building once housed numerous notable tenants. Condé Nast and Graybar Electric Company were among the first. Later, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company had its headquarters here. Today, tenants include Metro-North Railroad and the MTA.
Critics have praised the Graybar Building’s scale and presence. It was once described as the world’s largest office building. Its simple design symbolizes the forces of a bustling city. The Graybar Building stands as a “quintessential commercial colossus.” It embodies New York’s culture of congestion.
So, as you stand before the Graybar Building remember its story. It is a story of ambition innovation and architectural artistry. The Graybar Building remains a proud emblem of New York City.