The Helmsley Building of New York City

 

The Helmsley Building in NYC

Part of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s plan, the Helmsley Building was to be the headquarters for his New York Central Railroad. Atop the entrance rests a clock with a statue of Mercury to represent transportation, and a goddess to represent industry. This 34-story office building is perhaps the best building in New York even if its solitary prominence straddling Park Avenue was dashed by its immense neighbor, the MetLife Building across 45th Street. Its top is grandly elaborate chateau glory, a pyramidal jewel only rivaled in the city by the Crown, Woolworth and Chrysler Buildings.

8 Secrets of the Helmsley Building in NYC

• The Area Which Used to be 230 Park Avenue Was a Cow Pasture and Province of Squatters
• The Helmsley Building Was Part of Commodore Vanderbilt’s Dream for Terminal City Around Grand Central
• The Helmsley Building Is Designed by the Architects of Grand Central Terminal
• The Helmsley Building Has a Stunning Lobby
• The Helmsley Building Has One of a Kind Elevators
• The Clock that Represents Transportation and Industry
• The Helmsley Building is Also a Gateway to Midtown
• The Helmsley Building’s Gruesome Tie to the Mafia