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Overview

Reigning over Madison Avenue in the heart of midtown Manhattan is the layered, white modernist office tower and architectural landmark of 488 Madison Avenue. Historically referred to as ‘The Look Building’, it was designed by Emery Roth & Sons in 1949 for Look Magazine, the flagship of Cowles Communications, and now boasts a prestigious tenant roster of global corporations.

The 23-story building overlooks Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and is just blocks from Grand Central Terminal. It is located in proximity to area businesses, restaurants, shopping, hotels and mass transit, and offers full floor identity, 24/7 access, and an attended marble lobby. The building has been home to many notable publishing and communications firms including Esquire Magazine, Institutional Investor, Euromoney Publications and Abbeville Press.

This sleek Madison Avenue tower is comprised of glazed white brick and configured in round-edged layers, often likened to a wedding cake or ocean liner. The architecturally massive frame whose modern lines have been carefully preserved adds to the roster of New York City’s richest and eclectic architecture.

Although the enormous letters of LOOK are a memory, the building’s 447,000 square feet of space have undergone extensive interior and exterior renovations. While retaining its original character, the building’s white brick façade has been completely rejuvenated. The windows have also been upgraded but still have the distinctive detail befitting their style. Interior renovations include a new lobby, updated elevators and new retail façade.

The former Look building has today regained all of its gleam, glamour and prestige. 488 Madison Avenue now stands out as one of the most attractive post-war brick buildings in New York City, with details that are designed to draw the eye to its infinite strips of ribbon windows and columns.

Key Highlights