Landmarks

Fred F. French Building

The magnificent 38-story French building was designed in 1927 by the architectural firm of H. Douglas Ives and was the business headquarters for the famous real estate tycoon Fred Fillmore French who also built Manhattan’s famous Tudor City and Knickerbocker Village residential complexes. An ornate blend of art deco, ancient Babylonian and European styles, the innovative skyscraper significantly contributes to Fifth Avenue’s international identity. Mastery in design and attention to detail is evident from the moment you enter 551 Fifth Avenue. Created with the finest materials and finishes, the lobby has been designated an interior landmark and features Roman travertine floors, St. Genevieve marble walls, cast bronze elevator doors and a collection of patterned glass chandeliers. Equally classic is the building’s exterior which boasts a striking vertical facade of limestone and brick that rises dramatically from a three-story limestone base, and is adorned with orange brickwork, terracotta décor with black trim on the setbacks, themed rectangular patterns and decorated with significant bronze paneling and bronze framed storefronts. The Fred F. French Building has recently been completely restored and upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment, mechanicals and elevator systems.