The crossroads of the interior design world, Decoration and Design Building claims more than 120 showrooms in its 17 floors. The white brick structure was completed in 1966, and designed by David & Earl Levy.
The building’s “L” shape shows a profile from every angle, clearly demonstrating New York City’s zoning law: Steeper setbacks facing wide Third Avenue, a more pronounced slope along the narrower streets. The E 58th Street side, in particular, shows artful symmetry. Ribbon windows wrap around all corners. The base of the building is an arcade of display windows.
Decoration and Design Building’s Third Avenue lobby continues the showcase theme: It’s a series of display cases under a low white barrel vault ceiling, what the owners call a “showhall.”
Decoration and Design Building Vital Statistics
- Location: 979 Third Avenue between E 58th and E 59th Streets
- Year completed: 1966
- Architect: David & Earl Levy
- Floors: 17
- Style: Modernism