Living It Up at Lever House

ICFF 2003 is off and running, and Metropolis is at the center of the activity. Welcome to opening night festivities at Park Avenue’s modern gem, Lever House, where we’re chatting up some of the industry’s best and brightest. Come work the room with us, and meet and greet those in the know, straight from the show. But first: A Lever Lesson.

Built in 1952, the 21-story Lever House is one of New York’s most outstanding modern icons. It was designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill as Lever Brothers’ corporate headquarters. When it opened, there was a line around the block of those waiting for an up-close look at this revolutionary symbol of post-war America that made a brave new statement among the surrounding structures of “old” New York.

Last year, Lever House underwent a $60 million restoration to recreate its original “machine-like” appearance. Noguchi sculptures now appear in the lobby and on the plaza, and marble plaza seating has been installed, all in homage to original but unexecuted plans for the spaces. The third floor garden also has new life, minus its original shuffleboard. Over the years, most of Raymond Loewy’s interiors have been significantly altered, but the executive floor, 21, remains largely intact. Now, Lever House shines once again for all to see.