The Starrett-Lehigh Building: 7 Secrets Of 601 West 26th Street, New York's Unstoppable Architectural Icon
The Starrett-Lehigh Building: A Biography of 601 West 26th Street
The Starrett-Lehigh Building, the official name for the address 601 West 26th Street, is an individual landmark with a fascinating profile:
- Official Name: The Starrett-Lehigh Building.
- Address: 601 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001.
- Location: Occupies the entire block between Eleventh Avenue, West 26th Street, Twelfth Avenue, and West 27th Street.
- Architects: Cory & Cory; Yasuo Matsui (Associate Architect).
- Consulting Engineers: Purdy & Henderson.
- Construction Date: 1930–1931.
- Architectural Style: Functionalist/International Style, notable for its innovative use of ribbon windows and a cantilevered structure.
- Stories: 19 stories.
- Landmark Status: Designated Individual Landmark and located within the West Chelsea Historic District.
- Current Owner/Manager: RXR Realty.
- Recent Capital Investment: A $150 Million capital improvement program completed in the last few years.
Originally designed as a freight terminal and warehouse, the building’s location near the Hudson River and the High Line (formerly the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line) was strategic, facilitating the seamless transfer of goods from rail to truck to ship. Today, its industrial past provides the perfect backdrop for its new life as a modern, amenity-rich office campus.
The 7 Unique Architectural and Amenity Secrets of the Starrett-Lehigh Building
Beyond its sheer size, the building's design incorporates groundbreaking features that set it apart from virtually any other commercial space in New York. These secrets are the core of its enduring appeal and topical authority.
1. The Drive-In Ramps and Massive Freight Elevators
The most famous feature is the system of internal ramps that allow vehicles to drive directly up to the 19th floor. This revolutionary design was intended to allow trucks to load and unload goods on any floor, minimizing congestion and maximizing efficiency. While its original use has evolved, the truck bays and freight elevators remain a core part of its identity, now cleverly repurposed for tenant use and events.
2. The Iconic Ribbon Windows
The Starrett-Lehigh Building is a pioneer of the International Style in the United States. Its façade is dominated by continuous bands of glass—the "ribbon windows"—separated by thin strips of concrete. This design allows for an exceptional amount of natural light to flood the enormous floor plates, providing tenants with bright, airy, and expansive industrial-style loft offices. The vast windows also offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.
3. The $150 Million Amenity Transformation (Opening Spring 2025)
The building's owner, RXR Realty, has invested heavily in transforming the historic space into a modern workplace campus. A key part of this is the conversion of the old truck bays into over 100,000 square feet of exclusive tenant amenities, with some spaces slated to open in Spring 2025. This includes:
- A state-of-the-art tenant-exclusive fitness center.
- Multiple dining options and curated food and beverage experiences.
- Event spaces and conference facilities for internal and external gatherings.
- Collaborative common areas and lounges.
4. The New 11th Avenue Entrance
Part of the recent capital improvement program included the creation of a brand new, modern entrance on Eleventh Avenue. This provides tenants and visitors with a more contemporary and welcoming gateway to the massive structure, complementing the existing entrances and improving flow for the hundreds of businesses housed within.
5. A Magnet for Global Industry Leaders
The building's unique combination of massive floor plates, natural light, and high-end amenities makes it a prime location for major corporations, particularly those in creative and technology sectors. Current and notable tenants include:
- Johnson & Johnson Design
- Under Armour (Corporate Office)
- Scholastic
- Invenergy (expanding its Empire State footprint)
- GSA (General Services Administration)
- Wheels Up Partners
This diverse tenant mix—from federal agencies to design giants—underscores the building's versatility and prestige.
6. The Hub for High-Profile 2025 Events
The Starrett-Lehigh Building is a sought-after venue for major industry events, leveraging its enormous, flexible spaces. Key events scheduled for 2025 confirm its role as a cultural and commercial nexus:
- NADA New York 2025: The New Art Dealers Alliance fair is scheduled to take place in the building in May 2025, utilizing the 3rd Floor for its iteration.
- Brand Assembly Show: A major fashion and lifestyle trade show is scheduled for September 2025.
These events showcase the building's capability to transform from a corporate office space into a major public exhibition center.
7. Ongoing Landmark Preservation and Modernization (LPC 2025)
Even as it modernizes, the building's landmark status requires careful oversight. In a recent development, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) scheduled a public hearing for August 5, 2025, regarding a Tenant Signage Master Plan for the 11th Avenue façade. This process highlights the ongoing balance between preserving the historic integrity of the 1930s Cory & Cory design and adapting the structure to meet the needs of its 21st-century occupants and RXR Realty's vision.
The Future of 601 West 26th Street
The Starrett-Lehigh Building is more than just a historical footnote; it is a living example of adaptive reuse and forward-thinking commercial real estate. The significant investment by RXR Realty and the continuous stream of high-caliber tenants and events suggest a robust future.
Its location, offering direct access to the vibrant West Chelsea neighborhood, the High Line, and the Hudson River waterfront, ensures its desirability remains high. As the new amenity spaces come online in 2025, the building will transition fully into a modern "work, eat, and play" campus, further differentiating itself in the competitive Manhattan office market. The building’s unique architectural features, from the cantilevered corners to the drive-in ramps, guarantee its place as an "unstoppable" architectural icon for decades to come.
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