The transformation of this signature postmodern landmark in Midtown Manhattan provides a model for historic and adaptive reuse to meet the needs of the contemporary workforce
AAI Architects, P.C. is the Architect of Record on the transformation of 550 Madison Avenue. Formerly known as the AT&T Building and later the Sony Building, the tower was originally designed by Philip Johnson for single-tenant occupancy, serving as the eponymous world headquarters for its corporate owners. Since the departure of the Sony Corporation in 2013, its office floors have sat vacant. The building’s redesign modernizes interior spaces to meet the contemporary needs of a variety of office tenants and adds high-quality amenities, world-class retail and restaurants.
Soaring above midtown Manhattan, 550 Madison’s dramatic “Chippendale” roof pediment is a distinctive element of New York’s skyline. The renovation allows tenants to occupy this unique space, and enjoy its panoramic views over Central Park and across the East and West Sides.
Certified LEED Platinum, the project enlivens the streetscape with a canopy-covered garden, which occupies a mid-block passageway behind the tower.
