What is the Starrett-Lehigh Building known for?

It is known as a landmark of modern architecture in New York City, notable for its horizontal ribbon windows and for being the largest multi-story structure in the U.S. with a flat-slab reinforced concrete frame at the time of its completion.

The building is located at 601 West 26th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, occupying the full block bounded by West 26th and 27th Streets and 11th and 12th Avenues.

What was the building originally used for?

Constructed in 1930-31, it originally served as a freight terminal for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, with warehouse and rental manufacturing space located above.

What is the building used for today?

Since the late 1990s, it has largely been used as an office building and is now marketed as a workplace destination featuring modern offices, dining, fitness, and event spaces.

Level Ten is a 66,000-square-foot amenity floor and event venue located on the 10th floor, featuring conferencing spaces, podcast studios, and areas for networking and presentations.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York City

Starrett-Lehigh Building

A massive 19-story industrial landmark in Chelsea, the Starrett-Lehigh Building is a masterpiece of 1930s modernism, once a freight terminal and now a dynamic workplace campus.

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What to know

The Starrett-Lehigh Building is an enormous 19-story structure in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, occupying a full city block bounded by West 26th and 27th Streets and 11th and 12th Avenues. Constructed between 1930 and 1931 by architects Russell G. and Walter M. Cory, the building was a joint venture between the Starrett Investing Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Originally serving as a freight terminal for the railroad with rental manufacturing and warehouse space above, it was a feat of engineering that stood as the largest multi-story structure in the United States with a flat-slab reinforced concrete frame at the time of its completion. Architecturally, the building is celebrated for its horizontal ribbon windows that alternate with brick and concrete spandrels, a design that combined the practical functionalism of American industrial architecture with the horizontal aesthetic of European modernism. This aesthetic was considered at the forefront of modern architecture in New York City during the early 1930s. The massive complex totals 2.2 million square feet, consisting of a 19-story central tower, a 9-story west side, and an 8-story east side. Since the late 1990s, the building has transitioned from its industrial roots to become a premier workplace destination. Following a major renovation in 2000, it now offers modern offices, dining, fitness centers, and event spaces. A notable feature is Level Ten, a 66,000-square-foot amenity floor and event venue on the 10th floor, which serves as a conference center for networking and presentations. Today, the building remains a New York City Individual Landmark, designated on October 7, 1986, as a testament to its importance in commerce, new technology, and the evolution of modern industrial architecture in 1930s America.

Visitor tips

Walk around the entire block to appreciate the scale of the building's horizontal ribbon windows.
Visit during the day to see how the light hits the brick and concrete spandrels.
Since it is now primarily a workplace campus, focus your visit on the exterior architecture and the lobby area.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of West Chelsea, the Starrett-Lehigh Building anchors the former industrial zone of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and is surrounded by modern gallery districts and contemporary architecture.

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