Soaring above Midtown Manhattan stands the North American Plywood Building. A true giant of glass and steel. It’s a testament to 1970s architecture. Its imposing presence is unmistakable.
The North American Plywood Building wasn’t always known by this name. Completed in 1972 it’s a 41-story skyscraper. Its design is firmly in the International Style. Think sleek lines and clean geometry. The building’s height is 160 meters or 526 feet. This makes it a significant presence on the New York City skyline.
Designed by Emery Roth & Sons the North American Plywood Building is clad in black steel and brown-tinted glass. Its L-shape is unique among the city’s skyscrapers. A small wing extends westward at the south end. The facade boasts a striking repetition of window panes. Seven bays face the avenue each with four window panes. The south and north facades follow a similar pattern. There is a notable setback above the 13th floor. Each facade drops off one bay at the upper floors. The building rises without further setbacks to a flat roof.
Look closely. You’ll see deeply recessed glass entrances on the ground floor. They are located in the middle three bays of the avenue facade. The remaining bays house glass and metal storefronts. More storefronts line the south facade. The east bays of the north facade also feature these stores. One westernmost bay houses a loading dock. Notice the large black metal vents just below the roofline. These are the mechanical floors. They’re a subtle yet significant part of the building’s design.
Beyond the impressive architecture the North American Plywood Building has a practical side. Its main usage is as a commercial office building. This is reflected in its current tenants. For example a Citibank branch and a Staples copy and print shop occupy a part of the ground floor. They are a testament to its role in the everyday life of the city.
This building truly represents a specific moment in architectural and urban development. A visual anchor in the ever-evolving tapestry of New York City. The North American Plywood Building silently observes the city’s constant motion from its prominent location on 800 3rd Avenue.