Skyline Highlights: New York City’s 5 Most Iconic Buildings

Tour These Thrilling NYC Buildings

New York City is home to some of this country’s most recognizable buildings, and we boast the most iconic skyline arguably in the world. Chicago may be where the skyscraper was born, but much like Italy and the arrival of tomatoes from the New World, they were perfected and made a masterpiece in New York City. Some of our country’s most notable and historic buildings can be found in NYC, and we'll likely continue to be the home of innovative and daring works of architecture. 

New York City’s Most Iconic Buildings

5. Empire State Building

Perhaps NYC’s most beloved building is the Empire State Building. It might not be the tallest or most innovative in its design, but this building has been a staple of NYC’s skyline since the 1930s. When completed in 1931, it was the tallest building in the world, but it became the second tallest structure in the 1970s with the completion of the original World Trade Center.

4. Flatiron Building

Finished in 1902 at 20 stories, this 285-foot-tall building used to be one of the tallest structures in the city. Now a landmark, the Flatiron Building showcases just how innovative architecture has become since its construction. The triangular-shaped building sits at the intersection of 5th Ave. and Broadway, and it's still one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Architect Daniel Burnham used the footprint of the site as inspiration and designed the structure to fit the triangular mold presented to him. Resembling a Greek column, Burnham used Greek architecture to help create this iconic building.

3. Oculus

Completed in 2016, this relatively young structure has already become a Manhattan icon. The state-of-the-art World Trade Center Transportation Hub serves daily commuters alongside visitors from around the world. The shell-like structure was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, and it has quickly become a go-to hang out spot for residents and tourists alike. Walking through the structure, it feels more like a cathedral filled with natural light than a transportation hub, highlighting Calatrava’s innovative vision. Now the focal point of lower Manhattan, Oculus serves as not only a transportation hub connecting visitors to 11 different subway lines but also provides popular retail and dining amenities.

2. 56 Leonard Street

Tribeca’s 56 Leonard has been making high-paying buyers swoon since its construction in 2013. Resembling a game of Jenga, the stack-of-boxes structure has quickly become an iconic addition to the city's skyline. The 60-story condo was designed by Herzog & de Meuron, and it has gained notoriety for its innovative and quirky design mirroring the popular Hasbro game. Condos in this building are not cheap, ranging in price from $3.6 million for a 2 bedroom to $24 million for a 4 bedroom. Totaling 145 units, the building attracts affluent buyers from around the world.

1. One World Trade Center

After being juggled around between several different designs, the bid to create One World Trade Center was ultimately won by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Welcoming its first tenants in 2014, 13 years after the tragic terrorist attack that plagued the city and its residents, One World Trade Center is a symbolic pillar of resiliency and fortitude. Standing at 1,776 feet, it's now the tallest building in the city, the U.S., and it's the sixth-tallest building in the world. One WTC is a shining beacon of the new NYC and another iconic addition to the city’s skyline.

Real Estate and Architecture: Why Architects Make Great Agents

The worlds of real estate and architecture are not far removed, and often intertwine. One focuses on sales while the other focuses on design. Architects looking for new career opportunities can find great potential in the real estate business. This move is natural and holds lucrative opportunities for those willing to work for it.

Qualified architects have a broad range of knowledge that can easily be applied to selling a property. Having an eye for detail, strong visual awareness, and a deep understanding of building materials and structures can put any architect on the fast track for success as a real estate agent.

With a real estate license, an architect can gain access to home listings while utilizing their diverse network for potential new clients. Becoming a licensed real estate agent isn’t as hard as one might think - you just need to devote some time and energy to your new craft. 

Take On 2021 With the Best New York Real Estate Courses From The CE Shop

Whether you’re a new agent looking to start award-winning Pre-Licensing education or an experienced veteran wanting to finish your Continuing Education, we’ve got a 100% online curriculum designed to meet your needs. And if you’d like to stay connected with your fellow Mid-Atlantic real estate agents, join our Student Facebook Group!