Lever House

390 Park Avenue

When it was completed in 1952, Lever House was one of the first glass-walled international-style office buildings in the world. The construction of Lever House marked a transition point for Park Avenue in Midtown, changing from a boulevard of masonry apartment buildings to one of glass towers as other corporations adopted its style.

Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm SOM (Skidmore, Owings and Merrill) according to the design principles of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the structure consists of two intersecting masses, balanced in their proportions but contrasting in shape. It is distinguished by a a glimmering 24-story blue-green heat-resistant glass and stainless steel curtain-wall.

In 1982, the building was declared a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. It underwent a significant restoration starting in 1998 to bring back its former glory which had deteriorated with time and harsh weather conditions.

Today, the ground floor contains a restaurant and an open plaza with garden and pedestrian walkways. The Plaza and waiting areas are used as a gallery art exhibitions. Upstairs, among its other tenants, is Compass's UES offices. If you'd like a tour of the building and our offices within, I'd love to show you around.

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