The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower: A Landmark of New York City

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The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower is a 50-story skyscraper located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, New York City. The building, which stands at 700 feet (213 meters) tall, was completed in 1909 and was the tallest building in the world until 1913. The tower was designed by the renowned architectural firm, Napoleon LeBrun & Sons, and was built to be the headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

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History

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company was founded in 1868 by a group of New York businessmen. The company grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and by 1909, it was one of the largest insurance companies in the world. The company decided to build a new headquarters in the Flatiron District, which was becoming a popular location for large office buildings.

The company hired Napoleon LeBrun & Sons to design the tower. The firm was known for its Gothic Revival style, and the tower reflects that style with its pointed arches, ornate details, and use of limestone and terra cotta. The tower was also designed to be fireproof, with a steel frame and reinforced concrete floors.

The tower was completed in 1909 and was the tallest building in the world until the completion of the Woolworth Building in 1913. The tower remained the tallest building in New York City until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Architecture

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower is an example of the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tower features pointed arches, ornate details, and a limestone and terra cotta facade. The tower also features a large clock face on its south side, which is visible from Madison Square Park.

The tower was designed to be fireproof, with a steel frame and reinforced concrete floors. The tower also features a number of safety features, such as fireproof doors, fireproof staircases, and sprinkler systems. The tower originally had two elevators, which were powered by steam engines located in the basement. The elevators were later replaced with electric elevators.

FAQ

Question
Answer
When was the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower completed?
The tower was completed in 1909.
Who designed the tower?
The tower was designed by Napoleon LeBrun & Sons.
How tall is the tower?
The tower is 700 feet (213 meters) tall.
What style is the tower?
The tower is an example of the Gothic Revival style.
What safety features does the tower have?
The tower has fireproof doors, fireproof staircases, and sprinkler systems.

What is the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company?

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company is one of the largest insurance companies in the world. The company was founded in 1868 by a group of New York businessmen and has since grown to become a global insurance and financial services company.

What is the Flatiron District?

The Flatiron District is a neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City. The district is named after the Flatiron Building, which is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The district is known for its large office buildings and its proximity to Madison Square Park.

Is the tower open to the public?

No, the tower is not open to the public. The tower is currently used as office space for various companies.

What other landmarks are in the Flatiron District?

Other landmarks in the Flatiron District include the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and the New York Life Insurance Building.

Is the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower still one of the tallest buildings in New York City?

No, the tower is no longer one of the tallest buildings in New York City. The tower was the tallest building in New York City until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930.

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