1501 Broadway

Office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York Paramount Building the building housing some offices of Paramount Skydance at 1515 Broadway One Astor Plaza the building at 1633 Broadway Paramount Plaza the building in Joplin, Missouri Fifth and Main Historic District#Paramount Building November 2021 August 2024 1501 Broadway Paramount Building Paramount_Bldg,_1501_Broadway_@_43rd_St,_NYC.jpg The building as seen from Broadway and 42nd Street at night Seen from Broadway and 42nd Street Paramount Pictures Office Beaux-ArtsArt deco Times Square 1501 Broadway Manhattan, New York United States yes 40 45 26 N 73 59 11 W inline,title Multiple including Hard Rock Café Paramount Pictures 1926 August 2, 1926 1927 $13.5 million Paramount Pictures Paramount Leasehold 455 ft on 431 ft on 391 ft on 330 ft on Steel 33 686,603 ft2 on 22 41,586 ft2 on C.W. and George L. Rapp Rapp and Rapp Famous Players–Lasky R. E. Hall & Co. Thompson-Starrett Company yes NYCL Paramount Building November 1, 1988 1566 1501 Broadway, also known as the Paramount Building, is a 33-story office building on Times Square between West 43rd and 44th Streets in the Theater District neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Designed by Rapp and Rapp, it was erected from 1925 to 1927 as the headquarters of Paramount Pictures. The building is designed in the Art Deco and Beaux-Arts styles. The office wing on Times Square contains numerous setbacks as mandated by the 1916 Zoning Resolution, while the rear wing housed the Paramount Theatre from 1926 to 1967. The facade is mostly designed with brick walls, though the first five stories are ornamented with limestone piers. The main entrance is on 43rd Street. There is also a five-story arch on Broadway, facing Times Square, which leads to a Hard Rock Cafe; it is an imitation of the former Paramount Theatre entrance. Atop the building is a four-faced clock, with two large faces and two small faces, as well as an illuminated globe that could display the time. The ground floor historically had an ornate lobby leading to the theater, which had 3,664 seats over four levels. The modern building contains office space in both the original office wing and the theater wing. Paramount predecessor Famous Players–Lasky proposed the theater in 1922, but Rapp and Rapp had revised the plans to include an office tower by 1924. The theater opened on November 19, 1926, though the offices did not open until the following year. The clock and globe on the roof were blacked out during World War II. A group led by David Rosenthal converted the theater to offices in 1967 and removed the grand arch on the facade, which was part of the theater's original entrance. The Paramount Building's facade became a New York City designated landmark in 1988. The arch, clock, and globe were restored starting in the late 1990s, and the main entrance was relocated in another renovation in the 2010s. Site The Paramount Building is on 1501 Broadway, between 43rd and 44th Streets, at Times Square in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, New York, U.S.2971493 Broadway, 10036 https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1015/29 live https://web.archive.org/web/20211114210159/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1015/29 November 14, 2021 March 25, 2021 New York City Department of City Planning While the building carries a Broadway address, it is actually on the west side of Seventh Avenue. The section of Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 43rd and 45th Streets is officially listed on city maps as "Times Square",Pollak Michael June 12, 2005 Times Square Shuffle en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/nyregion/thecity/times-square-shuffle.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117011948/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/nyregion/thecity/times-square-shuffle.html liveAs the two roads intersect at a very shallow angle, they are nearly parallel through Times Square. Broadway is west of Seventh Avenue to the north of 45th Street and east of Seventh Avenue to the south of 44th Street. Because Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets was closed in the 2010s, the Paramount Building only faces Seventh Avenue. but the adjoining section of Broadway was converted into a permanent pedestrian plaza in the 2010s.Warerkar Tanay April 19, 2017 See How Snøhetta's Transformation of Times Square Made It More Pedestrian Friendly https://ny.curbed.com/2017/4/19/15358234/times-square-snohetta-before-after-photos November 1, 2021 Curbed NY November 1, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211101195300/https://ny.curbed.com/2017/4/19/15358234/times-square-snohetta-before-after-photos deadFishbein Rebecca April 19, 2017 Photos: Times Square's Transformation Into A Pedestrian-Friendly Tourist Fun Zone Is Complete https://gothamist.com/news/photos-times-squares-transformation-into-a-pedestrian-friendly-tourist-fun-zone-is-complete November 1, 2021 Gothamist November 1, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211101195259/https://gothamist.com/news/photos-times-squares-transformation-into-a-pedestrian-friendly-tourist-fun-zone-is-complete live The Paramount Building's rectangular land lot covers 41,586 ft2 m2, with a frontage of 200 ft on Broadway and 207 ft 0 on 43rd and 44th Streets.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 7Architecture and Building 1927 . 3 The surrounding area is part of Manhattan's Theater District and contains many Broadway theatres. 1501 Broadway shares the block with 229 West 43rd Street, the Hayes Theater, and the St. James Theatre to the west. Other nearby buildings include the Majestic Theatre, the Broadhurst Theatre, and the Shubert Theatre to the northwest; One Astor Plaza to the north; 1530 Broadway to the northeast; 1500 Broadway to the east; 4 Times Square and One Times Square to the southeast; 3 Times Square to the south; the American Airlines Theatre, Lyric Theatre, and New Victory Theater to the southwest. Prior to the development of the Paramount Building, the eastern portion of the site had been occupied by the Putnam Building, a six-story commercial structure.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 6June 3, 1922 $5,500,000 Theatre for Times Square; Famous Players–Lasky Corporation to Build Just Off Broadway From 43d to 44th St en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1922/06/03/archives/5500000-theatre-for-times-square-famous-playerslasky-corporation-to.html November 14, 2021 0362-4331 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114210159/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/06/03/archives/5500000-theatre-for-times-square-famous-playerslasky-corporation-to.html liveJune 3, 1922 4,000-Seat "Movie" Theater Planned For Times Square: Westover Court, In 42d and 44th Streets, To Give Way to Big Structure; 85,000,000 For Improvements 6 New-York Tribune 576614297 It was named after American Revolutionary War general Israel Putnam, who had passed through the site in 1776 during the war. The Putnam Building had long been occupied by theatrical agenciesSeptember 27, 1925 Big Improvements in Times Square: Wrecking of Putnam Building for Paramount Theatre Will Begin This Week. RE1 The New York Times 0362-4331 103424441 and, before its demolition in 1925, had a large electric sign measuring 200 by 50 ft on its facade.July 16, 1922 Greatest Electrical Display To Be Seen Here Every Night: Broadway's Skyline a Varicolored "Movie"; Night Signs One of Features of Great White Way B1 New-York Tribune 576626612December 27, 1923 Big Rentals Paid for Electric Signs: Wrigley's $100,000 A Year Sign, Soon to Come Down, Heads Times Square's Rental List 10 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 130140673 The western part of the site was occupied by a group of brownstones, operated by the Astor family as a set of apartments called Westover Court. The Astor family had owned the land since 1803. Until about 1850, the vicinity had also been known as the "Eden Farm" a title that came from a previous landowner.Johns Orrick May 7, 1925 Paramount Pictures Building Project, Times Sq., New York: The Promenade Elaborate Stage 10 The Christian Science Monitor 2573-3850 511589255 Architecture 1501 Broadway was designed by brothers Cornelius Ward Rapp and George Leslie Rapp, of the firm Rapp and Rapp, in the Beaux-Arts and Art Deco styles.Architecture and Building 1927 . 4 It was constructed from 1925 to 1927 as the headquarters of Paramount Pictures, one of the major American motion picture companies in the 1920s.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 5 R. E. Hall & Co. were the construction engineers, and Thompson–Starrett Co. was the general contractor;May 24, 1925 Soon to Begin Work on Film Skyscraper; Clearing of Site for Paramount Building in Times Square to Be Started in Week en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/24/archives/soon-to-begin-work-on-film-skyscraper-clearing-of-site-for.html November 14, 2021 0362-4331 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114223310/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/05/24/archives/soon-to-begin-work-on-film-skyscraper-clearing-of-site-for.html live numerous other engineers, contractors, and suppliers were involved in the building's construction. 1501 Broadway contains 33 stories, although early reports cite the structure as containing 35 stories. It measures 372 ft tall to its roof and 455 ft to its pinnacle.Paramount Building – The Skyscraper Center Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat – CTBUH https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/wd/9879 April 12, 2024Paramount Building https://www.emporis.com/buildings/114368/paramount-building-new-york-city-ny-usa January 1, 2021 Emporis August 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200807020840/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/114368/paramount-building-new-york-city-ny-usa usurped At the time of its completion, the Paramount Building was the tallest building in Times Square,90–91 as well as Broadway's tallest building north of the Woolworth Building. Form thumb|left|Seen from 44th Street 1501 Broadway was designed in two parts: the 33-story office section in the front, along Broadway, and a shorter wing in the rear, which formerly housed the Paramount Theatre. This was typical of New York City theater buildings, where the theater was relegated to cheaper lots on side streets, while the office space took up the more valuable frontage on the main avenues.Stern Gilmartin Mellins 1987 . 534 While the building had initially been planned with a 29-story office section, this was changed in the middle of construction. The office tower's decorative details was influenced by the Beaux-Arts style, while the theater was designed in a Neo-Renaissance style. The Art Deco decoration was limited largely to the massing.Robins 2017 91 . 1501 Broadway contains eight setbacks,November 19, 1926 New Paramount Building Officially Opens To-Night: Theater in 40-Story Broadway Structure Arranges Initial Production 18 New York Herald Tribune 1112653244 seven of which are above the theater wing. The setbacks are placed on all sides as mandated under the 1916 Zoning Resolution. On 43rd Street, the theater wing is twelve stories tall. On 44th Street, the theater wing is nine stories tall, except for the westernmost bay, which is fourteen stories tall with a setback on the 12th story. Along the office wing, the setbacks on the north, east, and south elevations start above the 18th story; there are six setbacks on these elevations, placed at regular intervals.Architecture and Building 1927 . 217 Each setback is separated by two or three stories.Stichweh Dirk New York Skyscrapers Prestel Publishing 2016 978-3-7913-8226-5 923852487 173 The office wing's west elevation rises above the roof of the theater wing, with a small setback on the 26th story and a deeper setback on the 28th story. The top section of 1501 Broadway rises above the 28th story and is two bays deep.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 8 The massing was intended to resemble that of a pyramid or a mountain as depicted in the Paramount Pictures logo. Facade Base The first five stories of both wings are clad in limestone and constitute the building's base. The ground story contains storefronts. The main entrance since 2018 is on 43rd Street, with bronze doors and a bronze marquee sign.March 17, 2016 Paramount Building Entrance, 1501 Broadway, Moving Because of Times Square Pedestrian Plaza https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/03/paramount-building-entrance-1501-broadway-moving-because-of-pedestrian-plaza.html November 15, 2021 New York YIMBY November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020704/https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/03/paramount-building-entrance-1501-broadway-moving-because-of-pedestrian-plaza.html live The 2nd through 4th stories are divided into bays, containing three-story window openings flanked by rusticated piers. The windows on each story are separated by iron spandrels and are divided by vertical iron mullions. The spandrels are ornamented with classical motifs, as well as theatrical icons such as masks, scrolls, and festoons. The 5th story contains one-over-one sash windows with metal frames. Between the 5th-story windows are oval cartouches.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 7–8 left|thumb|The Paramount arch on Times Square, a replica of the original The theater entrance was near the south end of the eastern elevation, facing Broadway. Originally, it had a five-story archway and an elaborate curved marquee. The original archway was removed in the late 1960s and replaced with windows and rusticated piers, which were taken from the 43rd Street elevation.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 8–9 The only indication of the former archway was the presence of blank limestone panels instead of windows on the 5th story.Schneider Daniel B. July 12, 1998 F.y.i. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/fyi-813168.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115021903/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/12/nyregion/fyi-813168.html live The arch was restored in 2001 and is constructed of concrete reinforced with glass fibers. The archway is surrounded by a frame with scrolls, rosettes, and lyre players, attached to a steel frame. The replica marquee, measuring 39 ft wide, is made of three glass panels, reinforced with plastic and finished in bronze.Dunlap David W. April 18, 2001 Commercial Real Estate; Reviving Paramount's Marquee and Waldorf's Stars en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/18/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-reviving-paramount-s-marquee-and-waldorf-s-stars.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115022016/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/18/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-reviving-paramount-s-marquee-and-waldorf-s-stars.html live The marquee includes a curved LED display but was otherwise designed to match historical specifications.Dunlap David W. December 30, 2001 The Great Red, Green and Blue Way en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/realestate/the-great-red-green-and-blue-way.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 September 27, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210927174946/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/realestate/the-great-red-green-and-blue-way.html live A sign with the name "Paramount" is mounted over the archway and contains 400 lights. Prior to 2018,September 27, 2018 1501 Broadway-Lobby Positioning: Interior/Tenant Best Project 2018 https://www.enr.com/articles/45302-broadway-lobby-positioning-interiortenant-best-project-2018 November 15, 2021 Engineering News-Record November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020734/https://www.enr.com/articles/45302-broadway-lobby-positioning-interiortenant-best-project-2018 live the main office entrance was just north of the center bay along Broadway; the opening still exists but leads to a retail space. It contains a double-height limestone frame with a lintel above the second floor. The doorway is divided vertically into a large center section flanked by two narrower sections. At ground level, the entrance includes a set of double doors, flanked by a single door, all made of brass and glass. Above the center doors is a clock flanked by brackets. There are windows above the remainder of the ground floor, as well as another set of windows on the 2nd story. The ground and 2nd stories of the doorway are separated by decorative iron spandrels; the center panel has an oval motif.Robins 2017 90–91 . The spandrels contain other motifs including theater masks, instruments, and branches. The building's cornerstone is placed in a niche within the former main entrance.May 19, 1926 Pictures: Cornerstone Laid for New F. P. Bldg. 83 1 3 1475781027 Variety 0042-2738 The cornerstone includes copper boxes with several newspapers' front pages, gold coins, film reels, and a news reel showing Richard E. Byrd's 1926 North Pole flight.May 20, 1926 Paramount Stone Is Laid by Walker; Hays Eulogizes Film Industry at Dedication of Theatre Building in Times Square en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/20/archives/paramount-stone-is-laid-by-walker-hays-eulogizes-film-industry-at.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175126/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/20/archives/paramount-stone-is-laid-by-walker-hays-eulogizes-film-industry-at.html live Office stories Starting on the 6th story of the office tower, the window openings generally contain one-over-one windows, which are grouped into bays. The bays are divided by alternating narrow and wide piers. The narrow piers are plain, while the wide piers are either rusticated or plain. The rusticated piers project slightly from the facade. The rear wing on 43rd and 44th Streets has double-hung windows separated by plain piers. On 44th Street, there are oval openings at the ninth story, which are surrounded by festoons. The top of the rear wing on 44th Street is decorated with acroteria. The setbacks of the office tower contain parapets. Below the parapets were floodlights that originally illuminated the setbacks at night to emphasize the jagged massing. Over one thousand lights were used in the setbacks' lighting system. Trapezoidal finials, designed to resemble obelisks, are placed at the setback level atop many of the rusticated piers. On the 28th through 30th stories, there are oversized consoles on the north and south elevations. Clock and globe thumb|The top of the building, featuring the clock and globe, as seen from the west thumb|The clock and globe, as seen from One Times Square The Paramount Building has a large four-faced clock above its 30th story.Robins 2017 90 . The clock faces on the west and east are made of limestone, with metal minute and hour hands. The west and east clock faces measure about 25 ft wide.Dunlap David W. December 17, 1997 Broadway Beacon Set to Glow Again en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/17/nyregion/broadway-beacon-set-to-glow-again.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115154708/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/17/nyregion/broadway-beacon-set-to-glow-again.html liveJuly 21, 1926 Biggest Clock's for Broadway 9 The Yonkers Herald newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88976520/biggest-clocks-for-broadway/ November 15, 2021 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181721/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88976520/biggest-clocks-for-broadway/ liveThe New York Times gives a width of 25 ft, while The Yonkers Herald gives a width of 26 ft for the larger faces. The New York Herald Tribune says the larger faces are 30 ft wide and the smaller faces are 26 feet wide. Inset within the stone are twelve circular glass panels, which measure 4 ft high and denote the hours. These panels contain five-pointed stars, forming a circle of stars as used in the Paramount Pictures logo. The hour and minute hands were originally illuminated.When the clock was installed in 1926, the hour hands of the larger faces were 12 ft long and the minute hands were 17 ft long. The arms were replaced in 1936 with hour hands measuring 10 ft long and minute hands measuring 14 ft long. Flanking these faces is a pair of setback pavilions with oval cartouches and rusticated piers. The north and south clock faces are placed on these setback pavilions. They are made with metal frames and are smaller than those on the west and east. The clock faces were mechanically operated from the building's completion.August 10, 1935 Two New Hands Point Out Time For Broadway: Paramount Pair, Weighing 1,600 Pounds, Corroded; In Danger of Fall to Street Others To Be Changed $40,000 Timepiece, Made in 1926, Gets 1St Repair Broadway's Favorite Clock Gets an Overhauling 11 New York Herald Tribune 1240195697 Above the clock faces is a stone frieze and trapezoidal corner obelisks. The top of the building contains a copper pedestal with an ornamental glass and copper sphere measuring 19 ft across.September 1, 1926 Huge Ball to Tell Time; Device on Paramount Building Will Flash Signals. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/09/01/archives/huge-ball-to-tell-time-device-on-paramount-building-will-flash.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175119/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/09/01/archives/huge-ball-to-tell-time-device-on-paramount-building-will-flash.html liveWindeler Robert July 29, 1999 In Focus: Paramount Theatre Rises: Venue to Return as Wrestling Arena, Restaurant 40 30 6 1598449 Back Stage 0005-3635 The sphere is made of 90 square panels, originally decorated with a map of the world. A smokestack is placed within the globe, measuring 2.5 ft wide, with a maintenance ladder and catwalks inside. The globe was intended to signify Paramount predecessor Famous Players–Lasky, and it originally illuminated once every 15 minutes.The red light flashed at the following intervals: once at 15 minutes past the hour, twice at 30 minutes past the hour, and three times at 45 minutes past the hour. Every hour on the hour, the red light flashed four times, then the white light flashed the number of hours. For instance, 10:00 p.m. would be signified by four red flashes followed by ten white flashes. In its early years, the globe could be seen from several miles away at night. During World War II, the globe and clock were painted black to maintain blackout conditions for fear of an enemy invasion. They were restored in 1996. After its restoration, the globe was lit a constant white after dusk, with red pulses every 15 minutes to signify the time, as well as bell chimes.The red lights flash at the following intervals: once at 15 minutes past the hour, twice at 30 minutes past the hour, three times at 45 minutes past the hour, and four times on the hour. In November 1927, a rooftop observation deck opened above the clockNovember 13, 1927 New Sightseeing Tower; Paramount Building Will Be Open for Visitors Tomorrow. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/13/archives/new-sightseeing-tower-paramount-building-will-be-open-for-visitors.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115191916/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/13/archives/new-sightseeing-tower-paramount-building-will-be-open-for-visitors.html liveLandmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 6–7 at a height of 450 ft.March 28, 1926 Record in Building Aim at Paramount: Contractors Making Up Time Lost Through Bad Weather on 35-Story Structure. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/03/28/archives/record-in-building-aim-at-paramount-contractors-making-up-time-lost.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175118/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/03/28/archives/record-in-building-aim-at-paramount-contractors-making-up-time-lost.html live It included glass-enclosed rooms on either side of the clock. Adults were charged 50 cents for admission, while children paid 25 cents. The observation deck has since been closed. The observation area is narrow, though urban explorers have climbed onto the deck.April 23, 2019 Photos Atop the Globe and Clocktower of the Paramount Building in Times Square https://untappedcities.com/2019/04/23/photos-atop-the-globe-and-clocktower-of-the-paramount-building-in-times-square/ November 15, 2021 Untapped New York November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190531/https://untappedcities.com/2019/04/23/photos-atop-the-globe-and-clocktower-of-the-paramount-building-in-times-square/ live Interior The central entrance on Broadway led to the offices, while the ornate arched entrance on the south end of the Broadway elevation led to the Paramount Theatre. At ground level, a large amount of space was occupied by the theater's entrance, and other space was taken up by seven storefronts. There was also store space in the basement, as well as a foundation that extended 52 ft deep. In total, the building had 6000 ft2 of stores and 2000 ft2 of basements. The office section of the building originally comprised 250000 ft2 or 265000 ft2. The entire building was served by an emergency staircase, and there were toilets on every floor. Lobby and elevators The original Broadway lobby was relatively small; no one had to travel more than 35 ft between the street and any elevator. The space had a travertine floor and polished black-veined marble walls. There was a tenant directory facing the main entrance, as well as a mail chute on the wall between the directory and the entrance. The lobby had a shallow vaulted ceiling with low-relief ornamentation, a gold finish, and bronze chandeliers. Inset into the walls were bronze elevator doors. Originally, the lobby was served by six local and six express elevators. The local elevators traveled only to the 18th floor, while the express elevators skipped some intermediate stories and traveled to the 28th floor. Visitors to the observation deck had to take an express elevator, then transfer to a lift that served the upper offices. On one side of the lobby was a broad travertine staircase, which led to a second-story banking room occupied by the Chemical National Bank. This banking room was finished with a terrazzo floor and marble base, while all the trim and the counter screens were made of wood. The lower part of the counter screen, and the wainscoting on the walls, were composed of molded wood paneling. which was painted white. The upper part of the counter screen was framed in walnut with a natural finish, and all of the furniture and fixtures of the officers' platform were also made of walnut. Above the woodwork, the walls and ceiling were finished in white-tinted plaster. In 2018, a third-story sky lobby was completed. The sky lobby includes a two-story escalator atrium and an additional elevator from the entrance on 43rd Street. The offices were originally served by twelve elevators that could travel at up to 700 ft/min. 2021, there are 22 elevators in the building.Elevator Devices http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/ElevatorDevicesForRecordServlet?requestid=1&allbin=1024706&passrecordnumber=4851 live https://web.archive.org/web/20150417071847/http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/ElevatorDevicesForRecordServlet?requestid=1&allbin=1024706&passrecordnumber=4851 April 17, 2015 April 9, 2015 NYC Department of Buildings City of New York Former theater space The interior of the theater was decorated with French detailing. The arch connected to a domed rotunda measuring 50 ft tall, supported by veined-marble columns on black-and-gold bases.November 19, 1926 Costliest Theatre Will Open Tonight; $3,000,000 Home of Paramount Films Is the First Word in Comfort. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/19/archives/costliest-theatre-will-open-tonight-3000000-home-of-paramount-films.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175117/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/19/archives/costliest-theatre-will-open-tonight-3000000-home-of-paramount-films.html liveNovember 20, 1926 Paramount Theatre Is Opened to Public 4 Times Union newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88985488/paramount-theatre-is-opened-to-public/ November 15, 2021 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190530/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88985488/paramount-theatre-is-opened-to-public/ live A "Hall of Nations" was just past the rotunda. The Hall of Nations had rocks from 37 countries, accompanied by explanatory plaques, as well as a bust of Thomas Edison. Past that was a grand hall along 43rd Street, which was modeled on the Versailles chapel and measured 150 ft long by up to 50 ft wide.Stern Gilmartin Mellins 1987 . 256 The hall's design features were also inspired by that of the Paris Opera House's foyer, with white marble columns, balustrades, and a grand staircase flanking the hallway. The vaulted ceiling rose to a height of 50 ft and had a mural of the Sun King. Elevators connected with the Paramount Theatre's mezzanine levels and with a basement lounge. An enormous crystal chandelier was hung from the hall.Paramount Theatre in New York, NY Cinema Treasures November 19, 1926 http://cinematreasures.org/theater/548/ November 17, 2021 February 2, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110202015450/http://cinematreasures.org/theater/548/ live The 3,664-seat auditorium was at the rear of the building.December 17, 2020 Paramount Building Owners Hit Hard Rock Parent Company with $6.5M Lawsuit https://www.crainsnewyork.com/commercial-real-estate/paramount-building-owners-hit-hard-rock-parent-company-65m-lawsuit November 15, 2021 Crain's New York Business November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020714/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/commercial-real-estate/paramount-building-owners-hit-hard-rock-parent-company-65m-lawsuit live It was 10 stories tall, with three levels of balcony seats, as well as a promenade for visitors to look down at the theater from overhead. The orchestra was at the south end, while the stage was at the north end. The theater was decorated in rose, turquoise, and ivory colors, with red and gold draperies, as well as a cyclorama-style wall at the rear of the stage. Fountains flanked the proscenium arch above the stage. The height of the theater was emphasized by decorated vertical panels on either side of the proscenium. The theater housed a large organ built by the Wurlitzer company.November 19, 1926 Paramount Theatre http://www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/ParamountTheatre.html November 15, 2021 New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists February 10, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210210212235/http://www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/ParamountTheatre.html live The railings were manufactured from brass. There were Greek statues and busts carved in wall niches, while the restrooms and waiting rooms were grandiose in style in comparison to cathedrals at the time. In addition to the auditorium, there was a music room and three rehearsal rooms.April 3, 1926 Motion Pictures: New Paramount House To Be Opening Point Of All Publix Units 38 14 46 1031785373 The Billboard 2638-3853 Various rooms were decorated with artwork, and there were seating lounges and a tea gallery as well. The side rooms were given names, such as the Elizabethan Room, a mixed-gender lounge paneled in walnut. The theater space was converted to offices in 1967, requiring the installation of 64 steel columns within the auditorium shell.October 7, 1967 Paramount's Glory Turns to Dust en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1967/10/07/archives/paramounts-glory-turns-to-dust.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033049/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/10/07/archives/paramounts-glory-turns-to-dust.html live The former auditorium is spanned by eight trusses, each measuring 122 ft and weighing 144 ST LT t.February 23, 1926 Times Square Sees Weight-Lifting Feat; Police Guard New Paramount Building Site as 144-Ton Truss Is Set in Place en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/02/23/archives/times-square-sees-weightlifting-feat-police-guard-new-paramount.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115021905/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/02/23/archives/times-square-sees-weightlifting-feat-police-guard-new-paramount.html live The former theater lobby's space is occupied by a Hard Rock Cafe restaurant, spread across 5500 ft2 on the ground floor and 35000 ft2 in the basement, as well as a Hard Rock Cafe store measuring 1500 ft2. The restaurant can fit 600 diners or 1,000 concertgoers.Rothstein Mervyn January 23, 2005 A Crossroads for Restaurants en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/realestate/a-crossroads-for-restaurants.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190532/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/realestate/a-crossroads-for-restaurants.html live Offices The offices were decorated with similar French motifs as the rest of the building. The fourth through twelfth stories, originally occupied by Famous Players–Lasky, included 65 executive offices that were finished in walnut, and some rooms contained veneers of burled walnut, The veneers contained carvings of figures that matched the burled surfaces of the wood. The private offices of Famous Players–Lasky cofounders Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky were decorated with walnut-paneled walls, separated by wide moldings. These offices had large ceiling beams, which were clad with walnut panels and separated by plaster coffers; the casement windows in these offices contained stained glass panels. The stories below the 18th floor each contained 16000 ft2, while the upper stories were smaller because of the setbacks,Ennis Thomas W. January 30, 1966 Office Boom Seen for Times Square; New Skyscraper Will Rise on Site of Astor Hotel-- Wide Interest Reported en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/30/archives/office-boom-seen-for-times-square-new-skyscraper-will-rise-on-site.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116185044/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/30/archives/office-boom-seen-for-times-square-new-skyscraper-will-rise-on-site.html live tapering to 2100 ft2 at the top. As a result of the setbacks, the floors were also built in eleven different sizes. The smaller upper stories were advertised as being suitable for companies that wanted to consolidate their offices on a full story and occupy it for themselves.January 1927 The Paramount Building and the Paramount Theater Architecture and Building 49 3 1 Another 190000 ft2Oser Alan July 4, 1979 About Real Estate: Times Square Office Space Filling Rapidly A10 The New York Times 0362-4331 120818575 or 220000 ft2 of office space was added in the late 1960s with the renovation of the former theater wing.Ennis Thomas W. January 17, 1967 News of Realty: End of a Theater; Work Begun on Converting the Paramount to Offices en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/17/archives/news-of-realty-end-of-a-theater-work-begun-on-converting-the.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115022017/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/17/archives/news-of-realty-end-of-a-theater-work-begun-on-converting-the.html live The conversion created floor plates of up to 37000 ft2 on the lowest stories. History Times Square became the epicenter for large-scale theater productions between 1900 and the Great Depression.Swift Christopher 2018 The City Performs: An Architectural History of NYC Theater https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=dbe468bfd33343dc96c23db1da55f803 live https://web.archive.org/web/20200325233910/https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html%3Fappid%3Ddbe468bfd33343dc96c23db1da55f803 March 25, 2020 March 25, 2020 New York City College of Technology, City University of New York Famous Players–Lasky, the predecessor to the Paramount Corporation, had been formed in 1916.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 2 . The company formed a subsidiary, the 1493 Broadway Corporation, to buy the Putnam Building and Westover Court on Times Square in 1919. During the 1920s, Famous Players–Lasky president Adolph Zukor had acquired a controlling interest in the Chicago-based Balaban and Katz theatre chain, operated by Sam Katz, who became the head of Paramount's theatre division.258Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 3 Balaban and Katz had a long working relationship with Chicago architectural firm Rapp and Rapp, which had designed numerous theaters for Katz's company in the Midwest.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 4 Development Planning thumb|Detail of windows at base In June 1922, Famous Players–Lasky received a $5.5 million loan from the Prudence Bonds Corporation, and it planned to spend $2.5 million on a 4,000-seat movie theater behind the Putnam Building.June 10, 1922 Float $5,500,000 Loan for Times Sq. Theater 34 23 8 1031680395 The Billboard 2638-3853 Rapp and Rapp were hired to design the new theater.June 10, 1922 Theatres https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_069&page=ldpd_7031148_069_00000660&no=4 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 109 728 columbia.edu 23 November 17, 2021 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114223345/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_069&page=ldpd_7031148_069_00000660&no=4 live Shortly afterward, Famous Players–Lasky signed a 21-year lease with the 1493 Broadway Corporation.July 8, 1922 Leases https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_070&page=ldpd_7031148_070_00000036&no=8no=1 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 110 30 columbia.edu 27 November 17, 2021 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114223312/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_070&page=ldpd_7031148_070_00000036&no=8no=1 liveOctober 28, 1923 Zukor to Hasten Big Theatre Plan; President of Famous Players Denies Broadway Project Has Been Abandoned. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1923/10/28/archives/zukor-to-hasten-big-theatre-plan-president-of-famous-players-denies.html November 14, 2021 0362-4331 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114224104/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/10/28/archives/zukor-to-hasten-big-theatre-plan-president-of-famous-players-denies.html live Though Famous Players–Lasky had encountered difficulties in funding its motion pictures by late 1923, Zukor said the corporation would proceed once the lease on Westover Court expired the following year. The size of the site would have allowed a theater with up to 7,000 seats, but this would have required an extremely crowded seating arrangement. Famous Players–Lasky had raised $2 million toward funding the building's construction when it had run into financial issues. Ultimately, the company implemented a financing plan, wherein it cleared the debt from the bond issues.February 18, 1925 Pictures: Famous' 27-Story Structure in Times Square Starts June 1 78 1 24 1505610288 Variety 0042-2738 After Famous Players–Lasky's financial issues were resolved, in October 1924, Zukor announced that the company would construct the theater and an office tower.October 29, 1924 Pictures: F. P.-L. Pays Off $6,000,000 76 11 21, 26 1505664847 Variety 0042-2738 Early in 1925, Zukor appointed a special committee to oversee the development of the office tower and the as-yet-unnamed theater. That April, Famous Players–Lasky announced that it would erect the 29-story Paramount Building and an adjoining theater for $13.5 million,April 18, 1925 Movie Hall of Fame Planned at N. Y. 36 16 6 1031773621 The Billboard 2638-3853April 10, 1925 29-Story Playhouse for Times Square; Famous-Players Lasky to Erect $7,500,000 Theatre Structure From 43d to 44th St. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1925/04/10/archives/29story-playhouse-for-times-square-famousplayers-lasky-to-erect.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115021839/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/04/10/archives/29story-playhouse-for-times-square-famousplayers-lasky-to-erect.html liveApril 10, 1925 29-Story Theatre Edifice for Rialto 51 New York Daily News 2692-1251 newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88939272/29-story-theatre-edifice-for-rialto/ November 14, 2021 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114223314/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88939272/29-story-theatre-edifice-for-rialto/ live and Rapp and Rapp filed building plans. The land alone was valued at $4.24 million, an increase from $3.2 million in 1917. In addition to the theater, the building would include ground-story stores, Famous Players–Lasky's offices, a radio broadcasting station, a private rehearsal theater, and a children's nursery. The theater would be operated as part of Famous Players–Lasky's Publix chain.January 20, 1926 Pictures: 14 Stories of Paramount Bldg. For F. P. 81 10 27 1475712540 Variety 0042-2738 The lowest two stories and the 16th through 31st stories would be rented out, except to theatrical agents, who would instead be offered space at Paramount Studios in Queens. The theater was planned to be completed first, followed by the office tower. The tenants of Westover Court were asked to leave the site by the beginning of June 1925,March 8, 1925 The Famous Players–Lasky Corporation to Proceed With Big Times Square Project. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/08/archives/the-famous-playerslasky-corporation-to-proceed-with-big-times.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115022021/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/08/archives/the-famous-playerslasky-corporation-to-proceed-with-big-times.html liveMarch 11, 1925 Pictures: To Build on Putnam Site This Summer 78 4 31 1505610499 Variety 0042-2738 and the Putnam Building was to be demolished by that October. Construction thumb|Paramount Building ad in Motion Picture News, 1926 Demolition contracts were awarded in May 1925.May 13, 1925 Times Square: Picturing New Thea. Bldg. 10 Ft. Daily as It Goes Up 78 13 15 1505667589 Variety 0042-2738May 26, 1925 Former Orpheum Lessee Partner in Ownership of New 29-Story Building 5 The Yonkers Herald newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88977529/former-orpheum-lessee-partner-in/ November 15, 2021 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115154711/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88977529/former-orpheum-lessee-partner-in/ live Famous Players–Lasky kept a film record of the work,Dean James W. November 6, 1925 New York Day by Day 5 Star-Gazette newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88976481/new-york-day-by-dayjames-w-dean/ November 15, 2021 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115154713/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88976481/new-york-day-by-dayjames-w-dean/ live starting with the demolition of Westover Court. To celebrate the project, Famous Players–Lasky held a barbecue in the nearby Hotel Astor that August, serving oxen and lamb that had been roasted over Westover Court's ruins.August 2, 1925 Broadway Barbecue Is Moved Indoors; Famous Players Abandon Celebration on Times Square Building Site for Fear of Accidents. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/02/archives/broadway-barbecue-is-moved-indoors-famous-players-abandon.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115021905/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/02/archives/broadway-barbecue-is-moved-indoors-famous-players-abandon.html liveAugust 3, 1925 Broadway Makes Merry At Paramount Barbecue: Screen and Stage Stars Dance at Astor, Adjoining Which New Theater Will Rise 10 The New York Herald, New York Tribune 1113045696 By September, the Putnam Building was slated to be demolished. In January 1926, the Paramount Broadway Corporation issued a first mortgage consisting of $10 million in bonds with a maturity of 25 years.January 6, 1926 Paramount Offers $10,000,000 In Bonds; Issue Will Be Secured by a 31-Story Theatre and Office Building in Times Square en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/06/archives/paramount-offers-10000000-in-bonds-issue-will-be-secured-by-a.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115022014/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/06/archives/paramount-offers-10000000-in-bonds-issue-will-be-secured-by-a.html liveJanuary 6, 1926 Float Loan on Times Square Theater Site: Kuhn, Loeb Heads Syndicate Which Offers $10,000,000 Paramount Bonds on Property at B'way, 43d St 27 The New York Herald, New York Tribune 1112679171 The same month, the Paramount Broadway Corporation leased the building to Famous Players–Lasky for 25 years at an annual rental of $807,500.January 28, 1926 New Paramount Building in Times Square Is Leased for 25 Years for $20,187,500 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/28/archives/new-paramount-building-in-times-square-is-leased-for-25-years-for.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115022013/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/28/archives/new-paramount-building-in-times-square-is-leased-for-25-years-for.html live By then, the site's valuation had increased to $6 million, making it one of the most valuable sites in the neighborhood.January 7, 1926 Soaring Values of Midtown Sites; A New Times Square Record Set by the Paramount Building Block. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/07/archives/soaring-values-of-midtown-sites-a-new-times-square-record-set-by.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115022009/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/07/archives/soaring-values-of-midtown-sites-a-new-times-square-record-set-by.html live The Broadway Association was tasked with arranging a dedication ceremony for the Paramount Building.January 12, 1926 Broadway to See Dedication Fetes; Celebrations Are Planned for Opening of New Temple, And Theatre in Times Square. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/12/archives/broadway-to-see-dedication-fetes-celebrations-are-planned-for.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175113/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/01/12/archives/broadway-to-see-dedication-fetes-celebrations-are-planned-for.html live The excavations descended about 53 ft into the underlying layer of bedrock. During excavations in February 1926, a water main and a gas main broke, flooding the site.February 1, 1926 Times Sq. Sidewalk Drops Into Excavation; Nobody Hurt, But Water and Gas Mains Burst en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/02/01/archives/times-sq-sidewalk-drops-into-excavation-nobody-hurt-but-water-and.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115021907/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/02/01/archives/times-sq-sidewalk-drops-into-excavation-nobody-hurt-but-water-and.html liveFebruary 1, 1926 Times Square Crowds Imperiled by Cave-In: Water and Gas Mains Broken; Bridges Over New York Excavation Collapse. 1 The Washington Post 0190-8286 149711288 Later that month, the Thompson-Starrett Company began erecting the steel trusses above the auditorium. Traveling derricks were used for the process, which was captured on film and which attracted a large crowd. Inclement weather during that month led to slight delays, prompting Thompson-Starrett to hire contractors for overnight shifts to make up for the lost time. By the end of March, the auditorium's trusses were completed and the steel for the office tower was being erected. In addition, the offices on the first 13 stories had been completely rented, as were much of the 18th through 23rd stories. Mayor Jimmy Walker laid the ceremonial cornerstone on May 19, 1926, at a ceremony attended by Paramount's cofounders (Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky), as well as various producers and actors.May 20, 1926 Paramount Lays Cornerstone for Broadway Home: Walker, Hays and Screen Notables at Ceremony for the New Structure Covering a City Block 18 The New York Herald, New York Tribune 1113036855 One of the building's architects, C. W. Rapp, died the following month during the construction.June 30, 1926 C.W. Rapp, Architect, Dies.: Designed Paramount Building Under Construction Here en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/06/30/archives/chw-rapp-architect-dies-designed-paramount-building-under.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175121/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/06/30/archives/chw-rapp-architect-dies-designed-paramount-building-under.html live The office tower topped out on August 2, 1926, with the raising of the U.S. flag 450 ft above street level.August 3, 1926 Paramount Building Reaches Its Peak; Band Plays as Flag Is Hoisted at 450-Foot Level to Indicate High Point Is Attained. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/08/03/archives/paramount-building-reaches-its-peak-band-plays-as-flag-is-hoisted.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175115/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/08/03/archives/paramount-building-reaches-its-peak-band-plays-as-flag-is-hoisted.html liveAugust 4, 1926 Pictures: Paramount Raises Flag 84 3 6 1475693351 Variety 0042-2738 The same month, Roman governor Filippo Cremonesi presented an eagle from a Roman palace, on behalf of Italian leader Benito Mussolini, for the theater's Hall of Nations.August 8, 1926 Mussolini Sends Gift to Movie Producers; Famous Players-Lasky Receives Eagle From Caesars' Palace for Paramount Building. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/08/08/archives/mussolini-sends-gift-to-movie-producers-famous-playerslasky.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175115/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/08/08/archives/mussolini-sends-gift-to-movie-producers-famous-playerslasky.html live At that point, a variety of firms had leased space at the building, including Rapp and Rapp, the Western Union Telegraph Company, and the Educational Film Corporation of America.August 7, 1926 $3,550,000 Space Leased From Plans On Broadway: Several Rentals Reported in Paramount Building; Tenants for Structures in the Mid Town Section 22 New York Herald Tribune 1112993170November 21, 1926 Paramount Leases Amount to $4,774,625; Several Leading Concerns Have Taken Large Units of Space From the Plans. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/21/archives/paramount-leases-amount-to-4774625-several-leading-concerns-have.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115175117/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/21/archives/paramount-leases-amount-to-4774625-several-leading-concerns-have.html live In mid-November 1926, the New York Building Congress distributed craftsmanship awards to 21 construction workers.November 16, 1926 Honor 21 Workers on Paramount Bldg.; Certificates and Gold Buttons Are Presented for Their Superior Craftsmanship en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/16/archives/honor-21-workers-on-paramount-bldg-certificates-and-gold-buttons.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115191911/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/16/archives/honor-21-workers-on-paramount-bldg-certificates-and-gold-buttons.html live Early and mid-20th century Opening and 1920s thumb|Viewed from across Times Square The Paramount Theatre opened on November 19, 1926,Slide Anthony https://books.google.com/books?id=KnzsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA156 The New Historical Dictionary of the American Film Industry February 25, 2014 Routledge 978-1135925543 revised 156 April 17, 2015 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181649/https://books.google.com/books?id=KnzsAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA156 live with a ceremony including thousands of guests.Hall Mordaunt November 20, 1926 Brilliant Opening at New Paramount; Thousands, Including Leaders in Many Fields, See Great Theatre's Splendor en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/20/archives/brilliant-opening-at-new-paramount-thousands-including-leaders-in.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190529/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/20/archives/brilliant-opening-at-new-paramount-thousands-including-leaders-in.html liveNovember 24, 1926 Pictures: New Paramount Has Gala Opening; Monument to Film Trade and Zukor 85 6 4, 8 1475852754 Variety 0042-2738 This was part of a three-day celebration of Broadway's 300th anniversary,November 18, 1926 21-Gun Salute Opens 3-Day Broadway Fete: Military Ceremonies and Addresses at Battery Park Start 300th Anniversary Celebration for Street Planes to Perform To-Day Air Circus to Scatter Flowers Over Pedestrians in Theatrical Region at Noon 12 New York Herald Tribune 1112659567 which included an event in which thousands of balloons were released from the roof of the office tower.November 20, 1926 Broadway Parade Viewed by Throngs: Relics of Past Era Drawn on Gay Floats in Tercentenary Pageant. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/20/archives/broadway-parade-viewed-by-throngs-relics-of-past-era-drawn-on-gay.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190528/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/11/20/archives/broadway-parade-viewed-by-throngs-relics-of-past-era-drawn-on-gay.html liveNovember 20, 1926 Broadway Sees Her Birthday Parade Go By: $100,000 Floats, Depicting 300 Years of Progress, Traverse Thoroughfare From 72d St. To 34th St Oldtime Scenes Revived 3 Bands of 11 in Line Win Gold Cups; Hotel Astor Outdoor Display Is Best 13 New York Herald Tribune 1112653375 To date, $17 million had been spent on the entire project, including $3 million on the theater alone. Within a week of the theater's opening, Famous Players–Lasky estimated that the theater would earn $20,000 a week in net profit. The retail tenants included Chemical Bank,May 2, 1927 Chemical National Enters Times Sq.; 103-Year-Old Bank, Known as 'Old Bullion,' Now Has Branch in Paramount Building. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/02/archives/chemical-national-enters-times-sq-103yearold-bank-known-as-old.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115191913/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/05/02/archives/chemical-national-enters-times-sq-103yearold-bank-known-as-old.html live Childs Restaurants,March 18, 1927 Leases Made On Percentage Of Business: Childs Rents Basement Space in Paramount Building for Another Restaurant; Mid- Town Zone New Tenants 29 New York Herald Tribune 1132573878 the Knox Hat Company,November 29, 1926 Paramount Net Income Large: Famous Players Expects to Receive $20,000 A Week From Its New Theatre May Add $2 a Share in 1927 1 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 130309806May 13, 1927 Millinery: To Open Women's Section Next Week In New Knox Unit 34 41 Women's Wear 112 1653918433 and the Sarnoff-Irving Hat Store,February 4, 1927 Space in Times Square Leased for 1,000,000: Hat Concern Rents Store and Floor in New Paramount Building 29 New York Herald Tribune 1130299608 while the office tenants included four firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange. William A. White & Sons managed the leasing for the Paramount Building.December 20, 1936 White Collects Ten Millions in Rent Annually: Realty Concern Controls 90 Commercial Buildings 625 Living Structures Grimm Re-Elected Head 2,500 Employees Get 50% More Bonus Than in '35 D2 New York Herald Tribune 1222347143 Zukor had the top-story office for himself.McCain Mark June 26, 1988 Commercial Property: Tower Offices; Both Views and Prestige Draw Tenants to the Top en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/26/realestate/commercial-property-tower-offices-both-views-prestige-draw-tenants-top.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 7, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003315/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/26/realestate/commercial-property-tower-offices-both-views-prestige-draw-tenants-top.html live By January 1927, the building was 35 percent rented;January 19, 1927 Pictures: $35,000 To $50,000 Rent For Paramount Stores 86 1 13 1475735052 Variety 0042-2738 the office structure was completed early that year. Some of the storefronts began opening that May, including a barber shopMay 25, 1927 Opens Barber Shop In Paramount Building 34 43 Women's Wear 122 1653194831 and the Chemical Bank branch. Rapp and Rapp filed plans in July 1927 to convert the basement to a restaurant,July 29, 1927 Restaurant for Paramount Building. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/29/archives/restaurant-for-paramount-building.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115191911/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/07/29/archives/restaurant-for-paramount-building.html live and the observation deck opened that November.November 20, 1927 Open Paramount Tower. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/20/archives/open-paramount-tower.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190920/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/20/archives/open-paramount-tower.html live The building's retail tenants paid rent to Paramount based on a percentage of each tenants' gross profits. Paramount executives frequently patronized the shops, including a 3rd-story barbershop, the Childs Restaurant in the basement, and a Walgreens pharmacy at ground level.August 24, 1929 Paramount Building Collects Rentals On Percentage Basis 41 34 20 1031906402 The Billboard 2638-3853 Rapp and Rapp filed plans for further alterations in late 1928.October 9, 1928 Paramount Building Alterations. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/09/archives/paramount-building-alterations.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115204607/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/09/archives/paramount-building-alterations.html live By then, Famous Players–Lasky was officially known as the Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation; that company, in turn, became Paramount Publix in 1930.October 26, 1936 Paramount Pictures 6S Have Staged Recovery In Recent Months: Low for Year Was 83 But Now They Are Within Striking Distance of Par More Active in Trading 8 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 128841687 1930s to 1950s The office tower received several new tenants in the 1930s, including Fusion Party campaign offices,August 30, 1933 Fusionists Move to Unite Factions; Davidson and Tuttls Groups Will Be in Close Touch With Coalition Headquarters en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/30/archives/fusionists-move-to-unite-factions-davidson-and-tuttls-groups-will.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116153053/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/30/archives/fusionists-move-to-unite-factions-davidson-and-tuttls-groups-will.html live advertisers Donahue & Coe,November 30, 1933 Real Estate News and Projects: Donahue & Coe Move to Larger Midtown Space Advertising Agency to Use Floor in Paramount Bldg; Couturier Rents Space 42 New York Herald Tribune 1114766028 and Prudential Insurance.March 19, 1935 Insurance Co. Gets Times Sq. Offices; The Prudential Leases Large Executive Quarters in the Paramount Building. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/19/archives/insurance-co-gets-times-sq-offices-the-prudential-leases-large.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116153535/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/03/19/archives/insurance-co-gets-times-sq-offices-the-prudential-leases-large.html live By February 1933, Publix was in receivership and seeking to reduce its rent payments;February 14, 1933 Pictures: Quick Rent Adjustments Sought By Publix Rec'ver—Avoid Closings 109 10 23 1529020774 Variety 0042-2738February 20, 1933 Ask Quick Deposit of Film Securities; Paramount Publix Committees Urge Action Before Court Hearing on March 17 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/20/archives/ask-quick-deposit-of-film-securities-paramount-publix-committees.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116153057/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/20/archives/ask-quick-deposit-of-film-securities-paramount-publix-committees.html live in so doing, the firm moved to downsize its space.June 6, 1933 Pictures: Par Saving H. O. Rent 110 13 11 1475949734 Variety 0042-2738 A bankruptcy court agreed to reorganize the Paramount Building's debt in May 1934. The yearly interest rate on the bonds was lowered temporarily until half the principal of the bonds was paid off.May 1, 1934 Holders of Paramount Building Bonds Achieve Reorganization 25 New York Herald Tribune 1114850703May 1, 1934 Paramount Plan Meets Approval 29 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89013904/paramount-plan-meets-approval/ November 16, 2021 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031644/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89013904/paramount-plan-meets-approval/ liveMay 8, 1934 Pictures: Par Makes a DoIlar-For-DoIlar Exchange with Par B'way Corp. For $8,875,000 In Defaulted Bonds 114 8 6 1475812301 Variety 0042-2738 Paramount Broadway also sued to have the tax assessment for the building reduced by $3 million.June 7, 1934 Paramount Building in Tax Suit. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1934/06/07/archives/paramount-building-in-tax-suit.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031656/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/06/07/archives/paramount-building-in-tax-suit.html live Despite opposition by bondholders,August 3, 1934 Reorganization Sought For Paramount Building: Publix Corp. Trustees Ask Power to Put Plan Into Effect 29 New York Herald Tribune 1221674050August 10, 1934 Paramount Publix Opposed in Shift; Reorganization Scored by Bondholders, Who Assail Lease of Building in Times Sq. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1934/08/10/archives/paramount-publix-opposed-in-shift-reorganization-scored-by.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031651/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/08/10/archives/paramount-publix-opposed-in-shift-reorganization-scored-by.html live Paramount Publix reorganized as Paramount Pictures Inc. in April 1935 and restructured its subsidiary, the Paramount Broadway Corporation.April 5, 1935 Paramount Publix Wins Court to Plan; Reorganization First to Be Effected for Big Company Under Section 77b. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/05/archives/paramount-publix-wins-court-to-plan-reorganization-first-to-be.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181652/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/05/archives/paramount-publix-wins-court-to-plan-reorganization-first-to-be.html live Paramount Pictures owned all stock in Paramount Broadway. The Paramount Theatre at the base closed for one week in 1934, the only extended closure in the theater's history.August 5, 1964 Paramount Closes Its Doors as a Movie House; Theater on Times Square Since 1926 Goes Dark in Real Estate Deal en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/05/archives/paramount-closes-its-doors-as-a-movie-house-theater-on-times-square.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031658/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/05/archives/paramount-closes-its-doors-as-a-movie-house-theater-on-times-square.html live The next year, the clock faces were refurbished after the hands had become badly corroded.Stevenson L.L. August 30, 1935 Daily Lights of New York 20 Binghamton Press 2042771519 Paramount Broadway continued to post losses in the years after the reorganization.March 5, 1938 Paramount Broadway Corp. Shows $254,374 Loss in 1937 2 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 130434944 Conversely, the Paramount Theatre at the building's base became highly popular, especially for live musical performances, hosting performers such as Buddy Holly and Frank Sinatra.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 9 William A. White & Son prepared the building for air raids at the beginning of World War II,December 12, 1941 Skyscrapers Rush Plans for Air Raid Safety: Tenants Told Where to Go. Floor Wardens Named; Some Interiors Altered 22A New York Herald Tribune 1266896063December 12, 1941 Skyscrapers Ready. For Air-Raid Alarms; Preparations for Blackouts and Damage Reported en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1941/12/12/archives/skyscrapers-ready-for-airraid-alarms-preparations-for-blackouts-and.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181704/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/12/12/archives/skyscrapers-ready-for-airraid-alarms-preparations-for-blackouts-and.html live which led the building to earn an award for air-raid readiness in 1943.November 13, 1943 Alertness Awards Go to 37 Buildings; Structures Are Singled Out for Air Raid Precautions en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1943/11/13/archives/alertness-awards-go-to-37-buildings-structures-are-singled-out-for.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181652/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/11/13/archives/alertness-awards-go-to-37-buildings-structures-are-singled-out-for.html live In addition, the Paramount Building's tenants collected scrap paper for the war effort,May 18, 1944 1,400 Offices to Aid Scrap Paper Drive 336 New York Daily News 2692-1251 2286514164May 18, 1944 Office Buildings Increase Paper Salvage; Weekly Collections From Homes Go Down en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/18/archives/office-buildings-increase-paper-salvage-weekly-collections-from.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181652/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/18/archives/office-buildings-increase-paper-salvage-weekly-collections-from.html live and the globe and clock atop the building were blacked out. By the end of 1944, Paramount Broadway had paid off a $6 million mortgage on the building.May 3, 1945 Paramount Profit $16,488,106 In 1944; Figures Compared With Those of $16,140,821 In 1943 Were Equal to $4.39 a Share en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1945/05/03/archives/paramount-profit-16488106-in-1944-figures-compared-with-those-of.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181652/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/05/03/archives/paramount-profit-16488106-in-1944-figures-compared-with-those-of.html live Paramount attempted to sell the office building in 1948. After marketing the building for a few months and failing to find a buyer, the company listed it publicly that September for $13 million.September 8, 1948 Pictures: Par Would Sell Its Times Square Home Office Bldg 172 1 3, 22 1285931464 Variety 0042-2738 The clock faces were repaired in mid-1949.May 25, 1949 Time Is of Paramount Importance 778 New York Daily News 2692-1251 2288696856 In 1949, Paramount Pictures' board of directors voted to split the theater unit to a separate company, United Paramount Theatres (UPT).March 7, 1949 Paramount Board Approves Plan of Reorganization: Two New Companies Would Be Formed to Separate Production, Theatres Stockholders to Vote April 12 5 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 131893954Pryor Thomas M. February 26, 1949 Paramount Split Will Be Tax Free; New Theatre Company to Have $12,500,000 Credit for Purchase of Houses en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1949/02/26/archives/paramount-split-will-be-tax-free-new-theatre-company-to-have.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181652/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/02/26/archives/paramount-split-will-be-tax-free-new-theatre-company-to-have.html live The building became the UPT's headquarters, and UPT leased the theater from Paramount Pictures. In addition, Paramount received a $9 million loan from Prudential Insurance in September 1950, including a $7 million mortgage on the Paramount Building.September 14, 1950 Paramount Gets Loan of $9,000,000; $7,000,000 Mortgage Put on Times Sq. Building, Part of New Company's Financing en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/14/archives/paramount-gets-loan-of-9000000-7000000-mortgage-put-on-times-sq.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181653/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/09/14/archives/paramount-gets-loan-of-9000000-7000000-mortgage-put-on-times-sq.html liveSeptember 15, 1950 Prudential Insurance Lends $9 Million to Paramount Pictures Unit 16 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 131852462 After UPT's merger with ABC in 1953,February 10, 1953 Goldenson Heads ABC-UPT Merger; FCC Gives Okay 123 3 1, 16 2322693542 The Hollywood ReporterGordon Allison February 10, 1953 ABC and Paramount Theaters Get F. C. C. Approval of Merger 1 New York Herald Tribune 1319921120 the building continued as American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres (AB-PT)'s headquarters.February 16, 1953 Ambitious ABC Planning Initiated Under New Merged Ownership 44 27–29 Broadcasting Telecasting 7 https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-BC/Broadcasting-Magazine/BC-1953/BC-1953-02-16.pdf April 8, 2015 July 28, 2017 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170728012002/http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1953/BC-1953-02-16.pdf live The Child's Restaurant and Walgreens store at the base, which had occupied the building since its completion, were closed in 1957.January 5, 1957 Times Sq. Losing Two Landmarks; Paramount Building Child's and Walgreen's Drugstore at 44th St. Closing en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1957/01/05/archives/times-sq-losing-two-landmarks-paramount-building-childs-and.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116185035/https://www.nytimes.com/1957/01/05/archives/times-sq-losing-two-landmarks-paramount-building-childs-and.html live AB-PT relocated its headquarters to the ABC studios on 66th Street in 1959, though ABC's film syndication units remained at the Paramount Building.April 15, 1959 Pictures: UPT HQ Quits Times Sq, For ABC's West 66 St. 214 7 4 964053703 Variety 0042-2738 The theater had dropped its stage-show policy in 1952 but was still popular, though it faced increasing competition from television. Late 20th century to present Sale and annex conversion thumb|Former theater annex on 43rd Street William Zeckendorf Jr. of the firm Webb & Knapp offered to buy 1501 Broadway in June 1964, with plans to replace the Paramount Theatre with an exhibit hall and office space.June 10, 1964 Zeckendorf Sets Paramount Deal; Webb & Knapp Is Planning to Close Movie Theater en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/10/archives/zeckendorf-sets-paramount-deal-webb-knapp-is-planning-to-close.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031656/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/10/archives/zeckendorf-sets-paramount-deal-webb-knapp-is-planning-to-close.html liveJune 10, 1964 Webb & Knapp Purchase 49 The Daily Item newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89014944/webb-knapp-purchase/ November 16, 2021 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031655/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89014944/webb-knapp-purchase/ live A Webb & Knapp subsidiary had made a $150,000 down payment, with a promise to pay $350,000 before the sale's closing and $10 million at closing.June 4, 1965 Webb & Knapp Trustee Gets Court to Halt Sale Of Paramount Building: He Asserts New York Structure Was Being Held by Syndicate As Collateral on Loan to Unit 6 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 133027868 The theater shuttered on August 4, 1964, though it temporarily reopened the next month.September 4, 1964 Sale of Paramount Postponed a Week en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/04/archives/sale-of-paramount-postponed-a-week.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031654/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/04/archives/sale-of-paramount-postponed-a-week.html live Paramount Pictures indicated it would remain in the building.September 23, 1964 Pictures: Paramount Pictures Stays Put at H.O. Regardless of Zeckendorf's Action 236 5 5 962816910 Variety 0042-2738 The conclusion of the sale was postponed to October,September 10, 1964 Safe of Paramount Building To Webb & Knapp Delayed en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/10/archives/safe-of-paramount-building-to-webb-knapp-delayed.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031651/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/10/archives/safe-of-paramount-building-to-webb-knapp-delayed.html liveSeptember 10, 1964 Webb-Knapp Gets Extension 13 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 132911624 then to November,October 10, 1964 Paramount Building Sale To Webb & Knapp Put Off en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/10/archives/paramount-building-sale-to-webb-knapp-put-off.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031652/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/10/archives/paramount-building-sale-to-webb-knapp-put-off.html liveOctober 12, 1964 Close of Webb & Knapp Purchase of Paramount Building Extended Again 4 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 132903356 when the theater's art was auctioned.November 22, 1964 Auction Scatters Paramount's Art: Treasures Get New Owners as Far Off as Texas en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/22/archives/auction-scatters-paramounts-art-treasures-get-new-owners-as-far-off.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031651/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/22/archives/auction-scatters-paramounts-art-treasures-get-new-owners-as-far-off.html live 1501 Broadway was finally purchased in December 1964 by Paramount Building Associates, an affiliate of Webb & Knapp, for $10.5 million. By then, Webb & Knapp was financially troubled and was selling off property to pay off debts.December 10, 1964 Webb-Knapp 'Affiliate' Buys New York City's Paramount Building: Purchase, Involving $10.5 Million, Is Part of Real Estate Firm's Plan to Ease Financial Strains 6 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 132902133December 10, 1964 Paramount Building Goes to Zeckendorf After a Long Delay en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/10/archives/paramount-building-goes-to-zeckendorf-after-a-long-delay.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031648/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/10/archives/paramount-building-goes-to-zeckendorf-after-a-long-delay.html live The Paramount Theatre was leased for stage/screen programs in March 1965March 1, 1965 More Music Is Due at Paramount As Impresario Leases Theater en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/01/archives/more-music-is-due-at-paramount-as-impresario-leases-theater.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033047/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/01/archives/more-music-is-due-at-paramount-as-impresario-leases-theater.html live but closed again that June after failing to attract guests.June 3, 1965 New Role Ending for Paramount; Stage-Screen Programs Fail to Sustain Operation en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/03/archives/new-role-ending-for-paramount-stagescreen-programs-fail-to-sustain.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031654/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/03/archives/new-role-ending-for-paramount-stagescreen-programs-fail-to-sustain.html live Paramount Building Associates contracted to resell 1501 Broadway in May 1965 to Evelyn Sharp, who paid $9 million and planned to renovate the building.May 26, 1965 Pictures: Evelyn Sharp, Hotelier, Will Renovate Paramount Bldg, A La Zeckendorf 239 1 22 964066971 Variety 0042-2738Robbins William May 19, 1965 Renovation Set for Paramount; Building Has Been Sold to a Former Hotel Owner en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/19/archives/renovation-set-for-paramount-building-has-been-sold-to-a-former.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031657/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/19/archives/renovation-set-for-paramount-building-has-been-sold-to-a-former.html live Mortimer M. Caplin had been appointed as trustee for Webb & Knapp's operations, and he sought to delay the sale of the building to Sharp.Fowler Glenn May 19, 1965 Zeckendorf Loses Realty Control; Caplin Is Trustee; Reorganization Is Ordered Under Bankruptcy Law – Ex-Tax Chief Named Zeckendorf Loses His Realty Control en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/19/archives/zeckendorf-loses-realty-control-caplin-is-trustee-reorganization-is.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031657/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/19/archives/zeckendorf-loses-realty-control-caplin-is-trustee-reorganization-is.html liveMay 28, 1965 Webb & Knapp Trustee Files Under Chapter 10 To Reorganize 6 Units: Caplin Seeks to Finish Washington Sale, Block Sale of Collateral, Stall Paramount Building Sale 12 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 133033271 The property title was to have been transferred in June 1965, but Caplin objected to the transfer at the last minute.June 2, 1965 Caplin May Fight Paramount Deal; Transfer of Building's Title Is Put Off Pending Study en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/02/archives/caplin-may-fight-paramount-deal-transfer-of-buildings-title-is-put.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031647/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/02/archives/caplin-may-fight-paramount-deal-transfer-of-buildings-title-is-put.html live Caplin presumably wanted Webb & Knapp's $500,000 deposit on the building to be returned to his client.Phalon Richard June 11, 1965 Caplin Is Seeking Pact on Theater; Webb & Knapp Trustee in Bid for Paramount Accord Caplin Is Seeking Pact on Theater en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/11/archives/caplin-is-seeking-pact-on-theater-webb-knapp-trustee-in-bid-for.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031657/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/11/archives/caplin-is-seeking-pact-on-theater-webb-knapp-trustee-in-bid-for.html live This led Sharp to withdraw from the proposed sale,Robbins William July 8, 1965 New Sale Likely for Paramount; Landmark on Times Square May Soon Be on Market Paramount Building to Be Put on the Market Here Once More en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/08/archives/new-sale-likely-for-paramount-landmark-on-times-square-may-soon-be.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031651/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/08/archives/new-sale-likely-for-paramount-landmark-on-times-square-may-soon-be.html live allowing Caplin to proceed with selling the building at a foreclosure auction.July 16, 1965 Webb-Knapp Trustee Gets Plan Cleared For Sale of Building: Judge Paves the Way for Public Auction of Paramount Building Or a Private Sale to Investor 24 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 133006620July 17, 1965 Paramount Auction Planned for Aug. 31 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/17/archives/paramount-auction-planned-for-aug-31.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031654/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/17/archives/paramount-auction-planned-for-aug-31.html live Though the auction garnered no buyers,September 9, 1965 Webb & Knapp Trustee Fails to Auction Off The Paramount Building: But Caplin Moves Forward a Bit On Plan for Washington Sale, St. Louis Foreclosure Accord 9 Wall Street Journal 0099-9660 132993976 the building was sold that September to David Rosenthal, Joseph E. Levine, and Philip J. Levin.Fowler Glenn September 9, 1965 Court Approves Paramount Sale; Rosenthal's Bid Accepted – He May Reopen Theater en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/09/archives/court-approves-paramount-sale-rosenthals-bid-accepted-he-may-reopen.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033047/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/09/archives/court-approves-paramount-sale-rosenthals-bid-accepted-he-may-reopen.html liveSeptember 9, 1965 Webb, Knapp Wins O.K. On Project Sale 40 The Sun 539707229 ABC moved to 1330 Avenue of the Americas afterward,ABC-Paramount Through the Years https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-09-18.pdf November 15, 2018 Billboard 38 September 18, 1965 77 48 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117181653/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-09-18.pdf live January 26, 1966 Radio-Television: ABC Skyscraper Gets 3D Tenant, ABC Films 241 10 33 1014838621 Variety 0042-2738 while Paramount moved out after becoming part of the Gulf & Western conglomerate.Teitel Charles January 11, 1984 Pictures: Scene & Herd: 1501 Broadway 313 11 8, 30, 34 1438401642 Variety 0042-2738 The owners planned to build a garage at ground level with offices above.January 19, 1966 Pictures: B'way Paramount Itself Coes For Office Quarters 241 9 21 1017124528 Variety 0042-2738 The group began renovating the Paramount Building in January 1967.January 30, 1967 Paramount Theatre Starts Reconverting to Offices 90 15 E1 1476078554 Boxoffice As part of the renovation, the Paramount Theatre was dismantled and turned into office space, and the archway leading to the theater was removed.Ennis Thomas W. June 25, 1967 Hollow Shell Hides Remnants of Glory Of Old Paramount; Shell Remains of Glory of Old Paramount en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/25/archives/hollow-shell-hides-remnants-of-glory-of-old-paramount-shell-remains.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033047/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/25/archives/hollow-shell-hides-remnants-of-glory-of-old-paramount-shell-remains.html live That March, Rosenthal and Levine sold their ownership stakes to Levin and Arlen Properties, who split ownership equally between them.Ennis Thomas W. March 21, 1967 News of Realty: Interests Sold; Ownership of the Paramount Building Is Changed en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/21/archives/news-of-realty-interests-sold-ownership-of-the-paramount-building.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033048/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/21/archives/news-of-realty-interests-sold-ownership-of-the-paramount-building.html liveMarch 1, 1967 Pictures: Joe E. Levine Sells Par Bldg.% 246 2 4 1032438018 Variety 0042-2738 Existing tenants were not disrupted by the demolition of the old theater, which had been completed by that October. A branch of the New York Bank for Savings opened in the base in early 1968, while construction was still ongoing, forcing the tellers to wear hard hats.Mooney Richard E. January 5, 1968 New Bank Opens Here Amid Construction Fallout en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/05/archives/new-bank-opens-here-amid-construction-fallout.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116153055/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/05/archives/new-bank-opens-here-amid-construction-fallout.html live 1970s to 1990s Newmark & Company managed the building on behalf of Arlen, signing ten-year leases for the expanded office stories. Major tenants in the newly converted offices included The New York Times, the Offtrack Betting Corporation,Cady Steve September 1, 1971 OTB Opens Short Cut to Belmont With New Times Square Shop en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/01/archives/otb-opens-short-cut-to-belmont-with-new-times-square-shop.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116194656/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/01/archives/otb-opens-short-cut-to-belmont-with-new-times-square-shop.html live Lane Bryant,Fowler Glenn December 9, 1968 News of Realty: Offices Set Mark: 9 Million Square Feet Built in Midtown This Year en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1968/12/09/archives/news-of-realty-offices-set-mark-9-million-square-feet-built-in.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116185033/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/12/09/archives/news-of-realty-offices-set-mark-9-million-square-feet-built-in.html live and the Metropolitan Diagnostic Institute.Fowler Glenn February 5, 1968 News of Realty: Midtown Rental; Diagnostic Institute Obtains Paramount Building Office en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/05/archives/news-of-realty-midtown-rental-diagnostic-institute-obtains.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116192238/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/05/archives/news-of-realty-midtown-rental-diagnostic-institute-obtains.html live The newly converted office space was not fully leased until the mid-1970s. By the end of that decade, many lower-story tenants had chosen not to renew, including the Times and Lane Bryant, but Newmark had added other tenants, including the Internal Revenue Service and Hardesty & Hanover. By contrast, the upper stories were fully rented. In addition to the larger tenants, the Paramount Building hosted smaller offices such as those of the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities.Mitgang Herbert August 8, 1981 Trust Fund Keeps Live Music Alive en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/08/arts/trust-fund-keeps-live-music-alive.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116194654/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/08/arts/trust-fund-keeps-live-music-alive.html live All of the space in the building had been rented by the mid-1980s.Kennedy Shawn G. September 26, 1984 About Real Estate; Times Sq. Project: Impact on the Area en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/26/business/about-real-estate-times-sq-project-impact-on-the-area.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116194653/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/26/business/about-real-estate-times-sq-project-impact-on-the-area.html live thumb|Hard Rock Cafe The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the Paramount Building as a city landmark in November 1988.Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 . 1Dunlap David W. November 7, 1988 5th Avenue's St. Regis Is Declared a Landmark en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/07/nyregion/5th-avenue-s-st-regis-is-declared-a-landmark.html November 14, 2021 0362-4331 November 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211114210205/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/07/nyregion/5th-avenue-s-st-regis-is-declared-a-landmark.html live The building was designated for its historical importance to the motion-picture industry and for its architectural importance as an Art Deco skyscraper. In 1996, Newmark received permission from the LPC to restore the clock and globe atop the building and the large arch on Broadway.Grant Peter June 28, 1996 A Paramount Deal 516 New York Daily News 2692-1251 newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88993797/a-paramount-dealpeter-grant/ November 15, 2021 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115204608/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88993797/a-paramount-dealpeter-grant/ liveWeber Bruce August 11, 1996 Marquee Will Make Comeback In the Paramount's Restoration en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/11/nyregion/marquee-will-make-comeback-in-the-paramount-s-restoration.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115204605/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/11/nyregion/marquee-will-make-comeback-in-the-paramount-s-restoration.html live An imitation of the original marquee was to be placed in front of the arch.Dunlap David W. June 29, 1997 The Sign Makers Turn Up the Wattage en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/29/realestate/the-sign-makers-turn-up-the-wattage.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 September 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212158/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/29/realestate/the-sign-makers-turn-up-the-wattage.html live This was part of the company's effort to attract a retailer to the basement. Planet Hollywood, which planned to lease the basement, was to pay for the restoration. The restoration of the clock and globe involved changing the power supply and rebuilding the clock mechanism. The clock and globe were restored at the end of 1997. Planet Hollywood spent $13 million on renovating 1501 Broadway's ground-floor space into a venue for live music.Bagli Charles V. July 15, 1999 Wrestlers and Accountants Now Take On Times Sq. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/15/nyregion/wrestlers-and-accountants-now-take-on-times-sq.html November 15, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115204605/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/15/nyregion/wrestlers-and-accountants-now-take-on-times-sq.html live Tobin Parnes was the restoration architect.672 2000 The project entailed lowering the basement by 7 ft, removing three support columns, and lengthening nine more columns.Holusha John October 24, 1998 Commercial Property / Times Square; Underpinning the Revival, Feats of Engineering en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/24/realestate/commercial-property-times-square-underpinning-the-revival-feats-of-engineering.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116193508/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/24/realestate/commercial-property-times-square-underpinning-the-revival-feats-of-engineering.html live Following Planet Hollywood's financial troubles,Bagli Charles V. December 27, 1998 Novelty Gone, Theme Restaurants Are Tumbling en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/27/nyregion/novelty-gone-theme-restaurants-are-tumbling.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117011952/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/27/nyregion/novelty-gone-theme-restaurants-are-tumbling.html live it sold the basement and first-floor space to World Wrestling Federation Entertainment (WWF; later WWE) in July 1999 for $9 million. WWF planned to open a theme restaurant at the base, known as WWF New York,Schoolman Judith August 4, 1999 Pushing Headlocks & Stocks 770 New York Daily News 2692-1251 newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88994171/pushing-headlocks-stocksjudith/ November 15, 2021 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115205220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88994171/pushing-headlocks-stocksjudith/ live and the company spent $7.5 million. 2000s to present WWF New York opened in November 1999.Scherer Dave September 2, 2000 Hungry for WWF? Visit Its Restaurant 492 New York Daily News 2692-1251 newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89004752/hungry-for-wwf-visit-its/ November 15, 2021 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116031649/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89004752/hungry-for-wwf-visit-its/ live That May, the LPC approved the addition of an LED marqueeDunlap David W. May 21, 2000 Postings: Debate Over Haughwout Building in Soho, The Parthenon of New York's Iron Age; On Broadway, An Awning Gap en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/21/realestate/postings-debate-over-haughwout-building-soho-parthenon-new-york-s-iron-age.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117011950/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/21/realestate/postings-debate-over-haughwout-building-soho-parthenon-new-york-s-iron-age.html live after initially hesitating to do so. The new marquee was unveiled with an American flag display on September 12, 2001, one day after the September 11 attacks. WWE closed its store and restaurant (renamed to The World) in early 2003, only three years after opening the restaurant.February 26, 2003 Down for the Count 22 New York Daily News 2692-1251 2259900135 Bubba Gump Shrimp Company opened a restaurant in the building that year.Rothstein Mervyn January 23, 2005 A Crossroads for Restaurants en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/realestate/a-crossroads-for-restaurants.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115190533/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/23/realestate/a-crossroads-for-restaurants.html live Hard Rock Cafe decided to move into the WWE space in 2004,Lueck Thomas J. November 19, 2004 Metro Briefing; New York: Manhattan: Hard Rock Cafe To Move en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/19/nyregion/theater/metro-briefing-new-york-manhattan-hard-rock-cafe-to-move.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116185037/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/19/nyregion/theater/metro-briefing-new-york-manhattan-hard-rock-cafe-to-move.html liveCroghan Lore November 18, 2004 High Cost of Energy Lifts Prices 42 New York Daily News 2692-1251 305919011 citing the improvements that WWE had already made. Numerous retailers took space at 1501 Broadway in the early 2010s including Ben & Jerry'sClarke Katherine September 10, 2012 Ben & Jerry's Inks Lease in Times Square https://therealdeal.com/2012/09/10/ben-jerrys-inks-lease-in-times-square/ live November 17, 2021 The Real Deal New York en-US October 30, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201030110609/https://therealdeal.com/2012/09/10/ben-jerrys-inks-lease-in-times-square/ and the New York Yankees.Rubinstein Dana February 7, 2011 Yankees Take Storefront in Times Square en-US Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-METROB-12299 November 17, 2021 0099-9660 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117150136/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-METROB-12299 live Paramount Leasehold LP, the building's owner, obtained a $130 million mortgage from Cantor Commercial Real Estate in 2013. Paramount Leasehold planned to spend $50 million on renovating the building; it also considered adding an entrance on 43rd Street. At the time, 1501 Broadway was 70 percent occupied, and its tenants included entertainment companies and attorneys.April 22, 2013 Paramount Building Slated for $50M Makeover https://therealdeal.com/2013/04/22/paramount-building-slated-for-50m-makeover/ live November 17, 2021 The Real Deal New York en-US November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117011945/https://therealdeal.com/2013/04/22/paramount-building-slated-for-50m-makeover/April 22, 2013 What's the Deal en-US Wall Street Journal https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324235304578437204015427248.html November 17, 2021 0099-9660 June 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130621162903/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324235304578437204015427248.html live The LPC approved the renovation project in 2016.Guerre Liam La May 6, 2016 The Plan: Paramount Building Undergoing a Modern Transformation https://commercialobserver.com/2016/05/the-plan-paramount-building-undergoing-a-modern-transformation/ November 15, 2021 Commercial Observer November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020706/https://commercialobserver.com/2016/05/the-plan-paramount-building-undergoing-a-modern-transformation/ live The lobby was moved from Broadway to 43rd Street, and a tenant lounge was installed on the third story.December 7, 2020 Newmark Reveals Next Phase of Upgrades for The Paramount Building at 1501 Broadway in Times Square https://newyorkyimby.com/2020/12/newmark-reveals-next-phase-of-upgrades-for-the-paramount-building-in-times-square.html November 15, 2021 New York YIMBY November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020719/https://newyorkyimby.com/2020/12/newmark-reveals-next-phase-of-upgrades-for-the-paramount-building-in-times-square.html liveBaird-Remba Rebecca December 3, 2020 The Historic Paramount Building in Times Square Gets a Facelift https://commercialobserver.com/2020/12/paramount-building-times-square-gets-a-facelift/ November 15, 2021 Commercial Observer November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020705/https://commercialobserver.com/2020/12/paramount-building-times-square-gets-a-facelift/ live In addition, elevators and escalators were added, while hallways, restrooms, and windows were upgraded.January 22, 2019 LMC Completes $50 Million Renovation of Paramount Building; Fifield Piaker Elman Was Architect of the Capital Improvement Project https://nyrej.com/lmc-completes-50-m-renovation November 16, 2021 NYREJ November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116173929/https://nyrej.com/lmc-completes-50-m-renovation live The contractors replicated the historical features using plaster moldings, and some original architectural details were salvaged and relocated. A specialty contractor provided the custom cast-bronze pieces and an Italian quarry supplied marble for the renovation. The lobby relocation was completed in mid-2018,December 6, 2018 AY Closes on 72,000 S/F In Leases at Upgraded Paramount https://rew-online.com/ay-closes-on-72000-s-f-in-leases-at-upgraded-paramount/ November 17, 2021 Real Estate Weekly November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117040513/https://rew-online.com/ay-closes-on-72000-s-f-in-leases-at-upgraded-paramount/ live after which Newmark signed leases with tenants such as the KIPP Foundation and the American Federation of Musicians.Kim Betsy November 6, 2018 Paramount Building Signs Leases with Four Tenants https://www.globest.com/2018/11/06/paramount-building-signs-lease-with-four-tenants/ November 15, 2021 GlobeSt November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115020709/https://www.globest.com/2018/11/06/paramount-building-signs-lease-with-four-tenants/ liveBaird-Remba Rebecca November 2, 2018 Schools, Musicians Union, Engineers Ink Deals at Paramount Building https://commercialobserver.com/2018/11/paramount-building-kipp-hardesty-hanover-leases/ November 15, 2021 Commercial Observer November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115154710/https://commercialobserver.com/2018/11/paramount-building-kipp-hardesty-hanover-leases/ live The entire renovation was completed in 2019. JPMorgan Chase gave Levin and Newmark a $200 million loan for 1501 Broadway in early 2020,January 8, 2020 JP Morgan Funds $200M Loan on the Paramount Building https://rew-online.com/jp-morgan-funds-200m-loan-on-the-paramount-building/ November 15, 2021 Real Estate Weekly November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115174731/https://rew-online.com/jp-morgan-funds-200m-loan-on-the-paramount-building/ liveBrown Mariah January 3, 2020 Levin and Rosemark Land $200M Loan for Paramount Building https://www.globest.com/2020/01/03/jv-secures-200m-loan-for-paramount-building/ November 15, 2021 GlobeSt November 15, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211115154716/https://www.globest.com/2020/01/03/jv-secures-200m-loan-for-paramount-building/ live and the owners began adding a tenant lounge on the third story that year. Ticketing platform TodayTix moved to 1501 Broadway in 2022,Rizzi Nicholas Ticketing Platform TodayTix Relocating to 10K SF in Paramount Building Commercial Observer June 23, 2022 https://commercialobserver.com/2022/06/todaytix-lease-paramount-building/ November 7, 2022 and the Martha Graham Dance Company leased space there in 2025, with plans to renovate one floor.Hernández Javier C. 2025-02-14 In Major Expansion, Martha Graham Dance Company Will Move to Midtown https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/arts/dance/martha-graham-dance-company-midtown.html 2025-02-15 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Higgins Molly February 15, 2025 The Martha Graham Dance Center Will Relocate in 2026 https://playbill.com/article/the-martha-graham-dance-center-will-relocate-in-2026 February 15, 2025 Playbill Critical reception When the Paramount Building was completed, architect Francisco Mujica wrote that the building exemplified how setback skyscrapers resembled "the primitive pyramids of America".Stern Gilmartin Mellins 1987 . 513Mujica Francisco History of the Skyscraper Da Capo Press 1977 978-0-306-70862-6 New York 64 English 715779257 1929 H. I. Brock of The New York Times wrote that the Paramount Building was "the most extraordinary pile in New York".Brock H. I. October 13, 1929 Water Tanks on the Skyline Now Do Service to Beauty; In Many of the New Tall Buildings the Tower for the Reservoir Has Become the Dominant Note of the Architectural Scheme en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1929/10/13/archives/water-tanks-on-the-skyline-now-do-service-to-beauty-in-many-of-the.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 August 5, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200805234900/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/10/13/archives/water-tanks-on-the-skyline-now-do-service-to-beauty-in-many-of-the.html live Conversely, Lewis Mumford said "the posters describe it as the greatest palace that shadows have built", a phrase that had been created by film industry promoters, "but it is in fact the greatest shadow that shadows have built".Mumford Lewis December 22, 1926 Magnified Impotence https://archive.org/details/sim_new-republic_1926-12-22_49_629/page/138/mode/2up The New Republic 49 138–140 While Mumford characterized the exterior as something that nobody could see, he called the interior "the reminiscence of a grandiose nightmare that might follow a rather arduous day of sightseeing in Paris". George Shepard Chappell, writing in The New Yorker under the pseudonym "T-Square", wrote that he could not "conscientiously give the building anything except size"; in Chappell's view, this fit with the "concentrated tawdriness" of Times Square.Chappell George S. (T-Square) November 27, 1926 The Sky Line https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/1926-11-27 The New Yorker 2 80–82 subscription November 17, 2021 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117150138/https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/1926-11-27 live In the 1980s, The New York Times wrote that Times Square's skyline was characterized by "the beautiful Astor Hotel, the sleekly new Paramount Building and, of course, Times Tower".Shepard Richard F. February 5, 1987 Times Square: Trying to Keep the Panache en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/05/nyregion/times-square-trying-to-keep-the-panache.html November 16, 2021 0362-4331 November 16, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211116194652/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/05/nyregion/times-square-trying-to-keep-the-panache.html live The Times wrote that despite 1501 Broadway's location at the middle of Times Square, "some New Yorkers have never bothered craning their necks to see" the building's attributes, including its globe and clock.Kugel Seth August 20, 2006 In and Around Times Square en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/20/travel/in-and-around-times-square.html November 17, 2021 0362-4331 November 17, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211117011945/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/20/travel/in-and-around-times-square.html live 1501 Broadway was also significant in the film industry. Years after the destruction of the theater and the relocation of Paramount itself, Variety magazine said that "1501 Broadway will always be a symbol of 'where the action was'". See also Architecture New York City Architecture of New York City Art Deco architecture of New York City List of buildings and structures on Broadway in Manhattan List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets References Notes Citations Sources CITEREFRobins2017 https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1566.pdf Paramount Building November 1, 1988 New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Landmarks Preservation Commission 1988 July 5, 1926 Paramount Theater and Office Building, Times Square, New York https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015082487896 American Architect 130 17–20 2027/mdp.39015082487896 American Architect 1926 July 1927 The Paramount Building https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015086650929 Architecture and Building 49 217, 221–224 7 2027/mdp.39015086650929 Architecture and Building 1927 January 1927 The Paramount Building and the Paramount Theater https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015086650929 Architecture and Building 49 3–4, 7 1 2027/mdp.39015086650929 none 1930 External links https://www.paramountbuilding.com 1501 Broadway at NYC Architecture Category:1927 establishments in New York City Category:1920s architecture in the United States Category:Art Deco architecture in Manhattan Category:Art Deco skyscrapers Category:Broadway (Manhattan) Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan Category:Office buildings completed in 1927 Category:Seventh Avenue (Manhattan) Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Manhattan Category:Times Square buildings