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Battle for the New York City Skyline: How Tall Can It Go?

PODCAST The story of growing tall in New York City and the two pivotal laws that allowed for the city’s dynamic, constantly evolving skyline.

This year is the 100th anniversary of one of the most important laws ever passed in New York City — the 1916 Zoning Law which dictated the rules for building big and tall in the city. So we thought we’d take this opportunity to ponder on the many changes to New York’s beautiful skyline via the unique technical changes to construction rules.

Why are areas of lower Manhattan darkened canyons, and why are there huge public plazas inside buildings in Midtown? Why do older buildings have graceful and elegant set-backs but newer structures feel like monoliths from 2001: A Space Odyssey? This is a layman’s history of building tall — our apologizes to architects for simplifying such sophisticated concepts — and the important laws that changed the face of NYC forever.

PLUS: This is our craziest podcast yet. We’ve decided — as our 199th episode — to hit the road! This entire show is recorded outside in front of the very spots that have most affected the city’s decision. From downtown Manhattan and the Equitable Building to a surprising corner of Hell’s Kitchen.


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We greatly appreciate our listeners and readers and thank you for joining us on this journey so far. And the best is yet to come!


The New York skyline circa 1913 with the newly built Woolworth Building. None of these structures were constructed with a mandated setback.

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

The first Equitable Building, constructed in 1870 (and seen here in 1906), considered New York’s first skyscraper.

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

The Equitable was destroyed in a dramatic fire on a cold January 9, 1912.

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

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The new Equitable Building was a monster of a bulky skyscraper, casting dark shadows onto the surrounding buildings.

Library of Congress
Library of Congress

This image is the property of The New York Public Library. For each use, you must contact: The New York Public Library, Photographic Services & Permissions, Room 103, 476 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018; 212-930-0091, fax: 212-930-0533, email: permissions@nypl.org. Using an image from The New York Public Library for publication without payment of use fees and official written permission is strictly prohibited.
Courtesy The New York Public Library.

Midtown Manhattan was a sea of setbacks by the late 1930s. (Photo by the Wurts Brothers)

New York Public Library
New York Public Library

The Empire State Building under construction. From this angle, the dramatic effect of the setbacks can be seen. (Photo by the Wurts Brothers.)

NYPL
NYPL

How Park Avenue looked before the arrival of the Lever House. Photo by the Wurts Brothers

NYPL
NYPL

The Lever House transformed the area of Park Avenue with its unique approach to the 1916 zoning laws. (Photo from 1952)

NYPL
NYPL

The Seagram Building, completed in 1958, is the very best example of the glass-curtain style monolith, More excellent pictures of this classic skyscraper at their website.

Courtesy 375 Park Avenue
Courtesy 375 Park Avenue

The courtyard at Worldwide Plaza, a massive office/residential complex completed in 1989.

Courtesy Wikimedia
Courtesy Wikimedia

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