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53rd at Third 1 Headquarters and Offices Midtown East

Though most now know this skyscraper - often called The Lipstick Building due to its distinctive shape - as the former headquarters of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, 53rd at Third stands as one of the landmark postmodern skyscrapers in the country. Designed by Philip Johnson, the red granite and stainless steel building opened in 1986. According to a wonderful exhibit I saw in the lobby during the summer of 2014, "Johnson felt strongly that we comprehend architecture as art that derives from a long history." As such, two features of the building call to mind famous churches in Rome. The oval plan of the building set back from the street is a nod to Bernini's Sant'Andrea al Quirinale (also "intended to give more tenants 'a corner window,'" according to the exhibit), and the colonnade in front, reminiscent of Bernini's Piazza San Pietro.

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53rd at Third 1 Headquarters and Offices Midtown East
53rd at Third 2 Headquarters and Offices Midtown East
53rd at Third 3 Headquarters and Offices Midtown East

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