Fred F. French Building

H. Douglas Ives
1927





An Art Deco Skyscraper built as the business headquarters for real estate tycoon Fred F. French

This 38 story skyscraper actually has its long side on 45th street, although its address is on Fifth Avenue (551 Fifth Avenue). The set backs have colorful polychromed faience panels in Art Deco geometric designs while the top depicts a rising sun.
 
 
 
 

The Fifth Avenue facade and off-center entrance

Winged horses, winged bulls, and bearded human-headed lion-bodied figures in the bronze frieze recall Babylonian and Persian grandiose art. The base is limestone while the shaft is clad in orangish brickwork.
 



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© 2009 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.