Socony-Mobil Building

History and architecture

A curtain wall of seven thousand embossed stainless steel panels gives the Socony-Mobil Building a unique presence on the midtown skyline. Constructed between 1954 and 1956, this impressive skyscraper fills an entire block, extending from 42nd to 41st Streets, and from Lexington to Third Avenues. There are two entrances: the primary entrance is located on 42nd Street, and a smaller, secondary entrance faces Lexington Avenue. Both are reached by passing beneath dramatic stainless steel arches that enclose generous exterior vestibules. At the center of the block, atop a three-story base, is a forty-two story tower, oriented from east to west, flanked by thirteen story wings.

The driving force behind this speculative office project was Peter B. Ruffin, of the Galbreath Corporation, who convinced the owners of the site, the Goelet Estate, to agree to a long-term lease. A distinguished group of architects and engineers was assembled to guide the project, and major tenants were secured, including the Socony-Mobil Oil Company, which relocated from the financial district to occupy half the structure. Fully leased at the time of completion, the project’s success bolstered the emergence of midtown and the area surrounding Grand Central Terminal as a major corporate address.

The Socony-Mobil Building was designed in two phases: John B. Peterkin, a consultant to the Goelet estate, was responsible for the initial scheme, a set-back tower of brick and granite that conformed to the 1916 zoning ordinance. Harrison & Abramowitz, who were at the height of their prestige, joined the team in 1952 and over the next two years the elevations were completely redesigned using man-made materials. The structure that resulted is a vivid study in contrasts, juxtaposing deep blue structural glass with stainless steel, smooth and embossed surfaces, as well as curved and rectilinear forms.

These juxtapositions give the Socony-Mobil Building its singular character; while the zoning-driven massing was typical of speculative office buildings erected during this period, the sparkling elevations gave the project a strong modern identity. Aside from modest alterations to the base and storefronts, this office tower remains one of the postwar era’s – and neighborhood’s most striking skyscrapers.