The Corinthian

Gazing up at The Corinthian, imagine living in a building that was once the largest apartment building in New York City. The Corinthian, completed in 1988, stands tall with its 57 stories at 330 East 38th Street in Murray Hill. This impressive structure, designed by Der Scutt and Michael Schimenti, has a unique history intertwined with the city’s transportation network. The Corinthian occupies a full city block, a site formerly home to the East Side Airline Terminal. This terminal, a bustling hub for buses heading to LaGuardia and JFK airports via the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, closed in 1984. The site’s potential for high-density development, coupled with its convenient location next to the tunnel, sparked a bidding war among developers. The winning bid, a staggering $90.6 million, paved the way for The Corinthian’s construction. Interestingly, the developers initially planned to demolish the entire terminal. However, impressed by the terminal’s robust construction, they ingeniously incorporated a large portion into The Corinthian’s base. This section now serves as office space, a clever integration of old and new. The Corinthian’s design is a striking departure from the typical boxy Manhattan skyscrapers. Its fluted towers, adorned with bay windows, offer stunning 180-degree views from each apartment. The name “The Corinthian,” chosen by developer Bernard Spitzer, evokes the grandeur of the Corinthian columns, known as the most lavish of the Greek columns. The Corinthian offers luxurious amenities, including a health club, a glass-enclosed swimming pool, a sun deck, and even a quarter-mile outdoor jogging track. These amenities are located on the fourth floor, which interestingly was the original roof of the East Side Airline Terminal. Outside, a cascading waterfall fountain graces the entrance on First Avenue, complemented by the bronze sculpture “Peirene.” A landscaped plaza provides a welcome green space for residents and visitors alike. The Corinthian, with its unusual design and rich history, has garnered mixed reviews over the years. Some critics hail it as Der Scutt’s best work, while others have less flattering comparisons. Regardless of critical opinion, The Corinthian stands as a testament to architectural innovation and a symbol of luxury living in New York City.