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== Site ==
The Crown Building is at 730 Fifth Avenue, at the southwest corner of [[Fifth Avenue]] and [[57th Street (Manhattan)|57th Street]], in the [[Midtown Manhattan]] neighborhood of [[New York City]].<ref name="AIA5 p. 337">{{harvnb|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|ps=.|p=337}}</ref> The [[land lot]] is composed of a rectangular site at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, as well as a connected site at 56th Street. The lot covers {{convert|26,360|ft2}}, with a [[frontage]] of {{convert|100|ft}} on Fifth Avenue and a depth of {{Convert|162.5|ft}} along 57th Street.<ref name="ZoLa">{{Cite web |title=730 5 Avenue, 10019 |url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1272/7503
Fifth Avenue between [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]] and [[Central Park South]] (59th Street) was relatively undeveloped through the late 19th century.<ref name="NYCL-2327">{{cite web |date=June 23, 2009 |title=John Peirce Residence |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2327.pdf |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=April 28, 2021 |publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] |page=2}}</ref> The surrounding area was once part of the common lands of the city of New York.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stokes |first=Isaac Newton Phelps |year=1915 |title=The iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498–1909 : compiled from original sources and illustrated by photo-intaglio reproductions of important maps, plans, views, and documents in public and private collections |url=https://archive.org/details/iconographyofman06stok |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415060518/http://archive.org:80/details/iconographyofman06stok |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |page=67 |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> The [[Commissioners' Plan of 1811]] established Manhattan's [[Grid plan|street grid]] with lots measuring {{convert|100|ft}} deep and {{convert|25|ft}} wide.<ref>{{cite enc-nyc2|page=558}}</ref> Upscale residences were constructed around Fifth Avenue following the [[American Civil War]].<ref name="NYCL-2327" /><ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1999|ps=.|p=578}}</ref> These included two residences on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street: a mansion belonging to [[Frederic W. Stevens]] at the southwest corner, and the [[Cornelius Vanderbilt II House]] on the northwest corner.<ref name="NYCL p. 8">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2024|ps=.|p=8}}</ref> By the 1900s, that section of Fifth Avenue was becoming a commercial area,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 6, 1907 |title=Mr. Edward Harriman... |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/pdf_files/ldpd_7031148_039_15.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116152948/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/pdf_files/ldpd_7031148_039_15.pdf |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |access-date=June 9, 2020 |journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide |pages=296 |via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]] |volume=79 |number=2038}}</ref> and stores were also developed on 57th Street in the 1910s.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 28, 1915 |title=A Brilliant Future for 57th Street: to Be Great Store Centre Shopping Zone of the Highest Class Being Formed in Fifty-seventh Street—No Other Crosstown Thorough-fare in Manhattan Has More Promising Outlook |work=New-York Tribune |page=C1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575358267}}}}</ref> After about 1921, art galleries started to supplant residences on 57th Street,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 13, 1929 |title='Shanty Land' Now Site of $125,000,000 New Construction: Skyscrapers and Shops Have Replaced Homes of 5,000 Squatters in 57th Street |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=D1 |id={{ProQuest|1111941344}}}}</ref> and other art galleries developed on the street in general.<ref>{{harvnb|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|ps=.|p=357}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=John |date=April 24, 1988 |title=Three Worlds of 57th Street; the World of Art |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/magazine/three-worlds-of-57th-street-the-world-of-art.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128060606/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/magazine/three-worlds-of-57th-street-the-world-of-art.html |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
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=== Previous buildings ===
[[File:Frederick W. Stevens House.jpg|alt=The Frederick W. Stevens House, which stood on the site before the Crown Building was built|left|thumb|The Frederic W. Stevens House, which stood on the site before the Crown Building was built]]Prior to the Crown Building's construction, the site at 728 Fifth Avenue was occupied by a marble townhouse belonging to the businessman [[Charles W. Morse]].<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1946a">{{cite news |date=January 16, 1946 |title=C.F. Noyes Gets Skyscraper for Grandchildren: In Partnership With Friend, Pays $5,000,000 for 26-Story Heckscher Building Heckscher Building |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=32 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1331242365}}}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 9">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2024|ps=.|p=9}}</ref> The Morse family owned the house until it was sold at a [[foreclosure]] auction in 1910,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 27, 1910 |title=Latest Dealings in Realty Field; The Charles W. Morse Fifth Avenue Residence Sold for Occupancy. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/11/27/archives/latest-dealings-in-realty-field-the-charles-w-morse-fifth-avenue.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> then acquired by the businessman [[Harry Payne Whitney]] in May 1911.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1911 |title=Morse Mansion: Said to Have Been Purchased by Harry Payne Whitney |work=Cincinnati Enquirer |page=6 |id={{
Next door at 2 West 57th Street was a mansion built from 1875 to 1876 for the lawyer and banker [[Frederic W. Stevens]].<ref name="NYCL p. 8" /><ref name="Stern (1999) p. 635">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1999|ps=.|p=635}}</ref> The Stevens house, designed by [[George E. Harney]],<ref name="Stern (1999) p. 635" /> was smaller in scale compared to similar mansions along the avenue.<ref name="Stern (1999) p. 637">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1999|ps=.|p=637}}</ref> The Stevens house's interior was undistinguished, except for a ballroom imported from Belgium;<ref name="Stern (1999) p. 637" /> it also was acquired by the Whitney family by the 1910s.<ref name="NYCL p. 9" />
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==== Residences and hotel ====
Following the building's conversion to the Aman New York hotel in 2022, the building has contained 22 residential [[condominium]] apartments, in addition to 83 hotel suites.<ref name="Toronto Star 2022">{{Cite news |date=July 23, 2022 |title=East meets New York City: Aman New York is one of the city's most anticipated hotel openings |work=Toronto Star |page=H.7 |id={{
The hotel suites were designed by [[Jean-Michel Gathy]].<ref name="Blumenthal 2023">{{cite web |last=Blumenthal |first=Betsy |date=October 3, 2023 |title=Aman New York: First In |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/new-york/aman-new-york |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Condé Nast Traveler}}</ref><ref name="Abrahams 2022 e320">{{cite web |last=Abrahams |first=Luke |date=March 7, 2022 |title=Inside the New Aman New York City |url=https://elitetraveler.com/travel/hotel-news/inside-the-new-aman-new-york-hotel |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Elite Traveler}}</ref> Each of the hotel rooms covers between {{convert|340|and|2,770|ft2|round=each}};<ref name="Fact Sheet">{{Cite web|title=Aman New York Fact Sheet|url=https://www.aman.com/sites/default/files/2022-05/Aman-New-York-Factsheet.pdf|publisher=Aman New York|access-date=June 21, 2024|page=3}}</ref>{{efn|Other sources cite a minimum area of {{convert|718|ft2}}<ref name="Blumenthal 2023" /> or {{convert|745|ft2}}.<ref name="nyt-2022-08-23" /> The four smallest suites are 340-square-foot studios that are attached to larger units; excluding these studios, the smallest room is 745 square feet.<ref name="Fact Sheet" />}} at the time of the building's conversion, even the smallest rooms were twice the average size of a [[studio apartment]] in Midtown.<ref>{{cite web |last=King |first=Rachel |date=December 31, 2022 |title=Inside Manhattan's best new luxury hotel: Aman New York |url=https://fortune.com/2022/12/31/inside-manhattans-best-new-luxury-hotel-aman-new-york/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Fortune}}</ref> Various woods are used for doors, floors, and other furniture, and steel, brass, and bronze are also used.<ref name="Howarth 2022 j161" /> The rooms have contemporary furniture, which is interspersed with the original Beaux-Arts interior decorations.<ref name="Abrahams 2022 e320" /> The hotel units have Japanese-inspired decorations,<ref name="Toronto Star 2022" /><ref name="Blumenthal 2023" /> including patterned stone floors, movable doors with rice paper panels,<ref name="Howarth 2022 j161" /> and large murals inspired by the 16th-century painting [[Shōrin-zu byōbu|''Shōrin-zu byōbu'']].<ref name="Toronto Star 2022" /> The rooms have ceilings measuring {{Convert|11|ft}} high,<ref name="Blumenthal 2023" /> and all the rooms also have gas fireplaces and retractable TVs.<ref name="Blumenthal 2023" /><ref name="nyt-2022-08-23">{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Heather |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Serenity in Midtown, Starting at $3,200 a Night? Aman Is Betting on It. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/23/travel/aman-new-york.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Each suite has a bathroom with a large tub and shower.<ref name="Howarth 2022 j161" /><ref name="Abrahams 2022 e320" /> One of the larger suites is the Corner Suite, which covers {{convert|2,025|ft2}}.<ref name="Kachroo-Levine 2022 y293">{{cite web |last=Kachroo-Levine |first=Maya |date=August 16, 2022 |title=With a Garden Terrace, Underground Jazz Club, and Wildly Expensive Suites |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/hotel-openings/aman-new-york-review |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Travel + Leisure}}</ref> The largest suites are the Aman suites on floors 11 and 12, which each have a kitchenette, a bar, and hidden compartments.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barsamian |first=Edward |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Inside the Top Suite of Three Key Aman New York |url=https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/aman-new-york-inside-suite-three-michelin-key-hotel-award-distinction-travel-guide |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=MICHELIN Guide}}</ref>
The residential condos are on floors 15 through 26.<ref name="nyt-2022-07-28">{{Cite news |last=Marino |first=Vivian |date=July 28, 2022 |title=A Pair of Co-ops Sold for $101 Million as the Market Returned to a Boil |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/28/realestate/top-nyc-real-estate-sales.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{efn|Also described as floors 15 through 30. The floor numbers do not correspond to the physical stories in the building.<ref name="Kachroo-Levine 2022 y293" />}} They have a combined area of {{Convert|95000|ft2}}, giving each residence an average area of {{Convert|4300|ft2}}.<ref name="New York YIMBY u860">{{cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Work Progressing on Crown Building's Conversion Into Aman New York at 730 Fifth Avenue in Midtown |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2020/09/work-progressing-on-crown-buildings-conversion-into-aman-new-york-at-730-fifth-avenue-in-midtown.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=New York YIMBY}}</ref> The largest residence in the building is a five-story penthouse that covers {{convert|14000|ft2}}; it has a full-floor master suite as well as a piano lounge, a gallery, two pools, two kitchens, four other bedrooms, and a game room.<ref>{{cite web |
==== Amenity spaces ====
The hotel portion of the building has a spa and three restaurants.<ref name="Morris 2019" /> The spa covers {{convert|22,000|ft2|adj=}}<ref name="Rosenberg 2017 z920" /> or {{Convert|25000|ft2}},<ref name="Kim 2022 c394">{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Leena |date=September 1, 2022 |title=Aman New York Is Now Manhattan's Most Exclusive Club |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/a40900980/aman-new-york-opening/ |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=Town &
Floor 14 has an atrium with sculptures designed by Peter Gentenaar.<ref name="Howarth 2022 j161" /> On the tenth story is the Garden Terrace, which occupies multiple exterior spaces<ref name="Blumenthal 2023" /> and includes a dining room, cigar bar, and drinking bar.<ref name="Rosenberg 2017 z920" /> The Garden Terrace covers {{Convert|7000|ft2}} and is covered by a retractable glass canopy.<ref name="Howarth 2022 j161" /><ref name="SCMP v106">{{cite web |date=May 6, 2024 |title=Inside the Aman Club, the most expensive private members' club in NYC |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3261125/inside-aman-club-nycs-most-expensive-private-members-club-it-costs-us200000-just-join-you-may-find |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref name="Kim 2022 c394" /> Other amenity spaces in the hotel include a sky lobby, wine library, and piano bar.<ref name="Clarke 2019" /><ref name="Plitt q147" /> In addition, the hotel includes a private club called Aman Club.<ref name="Chaffin 2023">{{cite news |last=Chaffin |first=Joshua |date=September 7, 2023 |title=Manhattan's private clubs thrive in a new Gilded Age |url=https://www.ft.com/content/347c7b21-4c78-4f8b-8f63-07fc8218b27b |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=Financial Times |id={{
==History==
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The building's base originally contained numerous art galleries and showrooms.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 362" /> Linen store Mosse Inc. was the first retail tenant, signing a lease in January 1922.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 4, 1922 |title=Mosse To Move To Heckscher Bldg.: First to Lease Retail Space in New Structure—-To Move About Feb. 1 |magazine=Women's Wear |pages=48 |volume=24 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|1666234247}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 4, 1922 |title=Commercial Leases; Fisk Building Store Leased for Term at $1,000,000. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/04/archives/commercial-leases-fisk-building-store-leased-for-term-at-1000000.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Tenants with full floors in the building included upholstery and decoration distributor Stroheim & Romann,<ref>{{cite news |date=January 15, 1922 |title=Entire Floor in Heckscher Bldg for Decorative Art: "Finest in America." Say Sire heim Romann. Who Will Occupy Space |work=New-York Tribune |page=A10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|576557534}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 15, 1922 |title=Upholsterers in Lease; Removal to Heckscher Building Shows Trade Centre Change. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/15/archives/upholsterers-in-lease-removal-to-heckscher-building-shows-trade.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the [[Consolidated Cigar]] Company,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 21, 1922 |title=Commercial Leases; Consolidated Cigar Corporation Will Move to Heckscher Building. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/02/21/archives/commercial-leases-consolidated-cigar-corporation-will-move-to.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> stockbroker J. P. Benkard & Co.,<ref>{{cite news |date=December 22, 1922 |title=Stock Exchange Brokers Get Space in Heckscher Building |work=New-York Tribune |page=20 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|576737006}}}}</ref> and oil refiner Cosden & Co.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 7, 1922 |title=Oil Refiners Lease Floor In Heckscher Building |work=New-York Tribune |page=20 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|576662877}}}}</ref> ''Women's Wear'' wrote that the building's completion coincided with the increasing concentration of businesses along 57th Street,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 20, 1922 |title=57th Street Taking Place As New Business District: Growth Has Been Almost Over Night Seen as Rich Mine for Retailers — Heckscher Bldg. Among New Structures |magazine=Women's Wear |pages=33 |volume=25 |issue=118 |id={{ProQuest|1666220197}}}}</ref> while the ''New York Herald Tribune'' wrote that its construction accelerated the street's commercial redevelopment.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 27, 1941 |title=August Heckscher Dies at 92; Benefactor of Poor Children: German Immigrant Was Minn Executive, Financier and a Leading New York Real Estate Owner; Gave Parks and $5,000,000 Building Characteristic Scene From the Life of a Philanthropist |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1248452974}}}}</ref> In any case, the building was nearly fully occupied in October 1923,<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /> and fashion store Joseph's leased the building's last available storefront in October 1924.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 27, 1924 |title=Joseph's To Be Located On 57th Street: Lease 30,000 Square Feet On 15-Year Lease — Expect To Occupy By Jan. 1, 1925. |magazine=Women's Wear |pages=1 |volume=29 |issue=100 |id={{ProQuest|1676935689}}}}</ref> Other early tenants with large amounts of space included jewelers Udall & Ballou<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1923 |title=Leases on Fifth Avenue; Jewelers in Long-Term Lease for Fifty-Seventh Street Corner. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/05/02/archives/leases-on-fifth-avenue-jewelers-in-longterm-lease-for-fiftyseventh.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the Hadley-Leon apparel store.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=January 8, 1924 |title=Hadley-Leon Shop, Smartly Decorated, Has Formal Opening: Comprehensive Stock Includes Airy Evening Types Of Chiffon And Lace—Interesting Cottons For Daytime |magazine=Women's Wear |pages=3 |volume=28 |issue=6 |id={{ProQuest|1676647833}}}}</ref> Harry Payne Whitney offered $7 million to buy the building in 1926, though Heckscher declined.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 9, 1934 |title=Heckscher Refused 7 Million for Building |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=I1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221540895}}}}</ref> Instead, Heckscher refinanced the building in 1930 with a $4.5 million mortgage loan, replacing the previous mortgages.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 5, 1930 |title=Real Estate Transactions in City and Suburbs: Heckscher Gets $4,500,000 on His Building Loan Covers 25-Story Structure Erected Ninety {{sic|nolink=y}} Years Ago at 5th Ave., 57th St. |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=40 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1113293259}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 5, 1930 |title=Heckscher Building in 5th Av. Financed by $4,500,000 Loan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/05/archives/heckscher-building-in-5th-av-financed-by-4500000-loan.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
The [[Museum of Modern Art]] moved into a six-room gallery on the Heckscher Building's twelfth floor in November 1929;<ref>{{cite news |date=November 7, 1929 |title=New Modern Art Museum Opens Exhibit Today: First Showing of Paintings in Heckscher Building Galleries L. by Invitation Admit Public Tomorrow Patrons Lend Works by Cezanne Gauguin. Seurat |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=48 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1111742689}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 7, 1929 |title=Shows Modern Art Here Tomorrow; New Museum in the Heckscher Building to Hold Private Exhibition Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/07/archives/shows-modern-art-here-tomorrow-new-museum-in-the-heckscher-building.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> it was MoMA's first-ever location.<ref name="Rotham 2014 775">{{cite
With the [[construction of Rockefeller Center]] nearby in the 1930s, Heckscher blamed [[Rockefeller Center]]'s developers for decreased demand at his building.<ref name="nyt-1934-12-05">{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1934 |title=Sues to Foreclose Heckscher Corner; City Bank Asks Sale of 5th Av. and 57th St. Building for $84,320 Unpaid Taxes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/12/05/archives/sues-to-foreclose-heckscher-corner-city-bank-asks-sale-of-5th-av.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 11, 1934 |title=Heckscher Suit Asks 10 Million Of Rockefeller: Cites Unfair Competition; Calls Midlown Center a Frankenstein Monster |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1242834815}}}}</ref> Heckscher sued Rockefeller Center's developers for $10 million in January 1934, claiming that the developers took over the tenants' old leases at below [[market rate]] or paid tenants to disregard or cancel the leases at their old buildings.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 11, 1934 |title=Heckscher Suit Asks 10 Million Of Rockefeller: Cites Unfair Competition; Calls Midlown Center a Frankenstein Monster |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1242834815}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Carl |date=January 13, 1934 |title=Another Lease Spurs Attack on Radio City |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-another-lease-spurs-attack-on/149508541/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=5}}</ref> No [[trial]] was ever held for the lawsuit,<ref name="Horsley 1978" /> and in December 1934, the [[City Bank-Farmers Trust Company]] filed to foreclose on the building's mortgage.<ref name="nyt-1934-12-05" /><ref>{{cite news |date=December 5, 1934 |title=Foreclosure Suit Is Filed Over Heckscher Building |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=35 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1221537228}}}}</ref> The Heckscher Building was offered for sale at a foreclosure auction in early July 1938,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 3, 1938 |title=Heckscher Building Goes On the Block This Week |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=C1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1243160808}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 3, 1938 |title=Heckscher Building Offered at Auction; Fifth Avenue Skyscraper in Forced Sale This Week |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/03/archives/heckscher-building-offered-at-auction-fifth-avenue-skyscraper-in.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and City Bank Farmers Trust paid $4.25 million for the structure that month.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 7, 1938 |title=Heckscher Building Sold On Bid of $4,250,000 |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=33 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1251471588}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 3, 1938 |title=Heckscher Building Offered at Auction; Fifth Avenue Skyscraper in Forced Sale This Week |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/07/03/archives/heckscher-building-offered-at-auction-fifth-avenue-skyscraper-in.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
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During the 1940s, space in the building was leased to tenants such as dressmaker Wilma Gowns,<ref>{{cite news |date=July 25, 1940 |title=Gown Concern Rents Big Store In 57th Street: Wilma Organization to Pay a Minimum of $225,000 for Plaza Zone Space |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=31 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1247797307}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 25, 1940 |title=Dress Firm Goes to Fifth Avenue; Takes Shop and Mezzanine in Heckscher Building for Ten Years |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/25/archives/dress-firm-goes-to-fifth-avenue-takes-shop-and-mezzanine-in.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> perfume seller Parfums Charbert,<ref>{{cite news |date=April 18, 1944 |title=Parfums Charbert Rents Heckscher Building Space |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=30 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1282891126}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 14, 1944 |title=4 Floors Leased by Jewish Board |work=The New York Times |page=32 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|106789649}}}}</ref> and the Motion Picture Sales Corporation.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 18, 1949 |title=Film Concern Leases: New Sales Organization Takes Floor in 730 Fifth Avenue |work=The New York Times |page=48 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|105992672}}}}</ref> In addition, the building's weather vane was removed in 1942 to provide scrap metal for World War II.<ref name="nyt-1991-02-03" /> In January 1946, Charles F. Noyes and a partner agreed to buy the building as an investment for Noyes's family.<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1946a" /><ref name="nyt-1946-01-16">{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Lee E. |date=January 16, 1946 |title=Noyes Investing Interests Get 25-Story Heckscher Building; Big Office Structure on Fifth Avenue Is Reported to Have an Annual Rent Roll of About $700,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/16/archives/noyes-investing-interests-get-25story-heckscher-building-big-office.html |access-date=June 15, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> At the time, the structure was earning $700,000 in rent per year and was valued at $4.875 million for tax purposes.<ref name="nyt-1946-01-16" /> The sale was finalized the next month. Noyes gave his ownership stake to his daughter, whom media sources referred to as "Mrs. Duncan M. Findlay", and the developer [[Joseph Durst]] was revealed as Noyes's partner.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 14, 1946 |title=5th Ave. Title Passed; Deed Shows Noyes Paid $5,000,000 for Heckscher Building |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/02/14/archives/5th-ave-title-passed-deed-shows-noyes-paid-5000000-for-heckscher.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1946">{{cite news |date=February 8, 1946 |title=Joseph Durst Mystery Man in Heckscher Deal: Fanner of Charles Noyes in Purchase of 25-Story Building, 5th Av., 57th St |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1284547354}}}}</ref> The ''Herald Tribune'' wrote that Durst had urged Noyes to buy the building after several other developers had expressed interest in the building,<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1946" /> and that Noyes had rejected an outside offer of $5 million for the building.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 3, 1946 |title=Profit Offered For Heckselier Sale Contract: "Cannot Break My Promise to Grandchildren, "Noyes Says in Refusing Fortune |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=C8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1267891293}}}}</ref>
Durst and Duncan Findlay received a $4.15 million mortgage loan for the building in mid-1949.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 10, 1949 |title=Loan of $4,150,000 on 5th Ave. Corner |work=The New York Times |page=39 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|105749592}}}}</ref> The Durst and Findlay families sold the building in November 1950 to Kenneth S. Keyes, who represented two anonymous Cuban investors.<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1950" /> The buyers paid $1.965 million in cash and took over the building's existing $4.01 million mortgage.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 9, 1951 |title=Transfers and Financing |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=33 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1318530376}}}}</ref> By then, the building's tenants paid about $1 million in annual rent and occupied about {{convert|300,000|ft2}} of office space.<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1950" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Lee E. |date=November 5, 1950 |title=Heckscher Tower on 5th Ave. Goes to Havana Buyers; Findlay and Durst Families Sell 25-Story Office Skyscraper on 57th Street Corner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/11/05/archives/heckscher-tower-on-5th-ave-goes-to-havana-buyers-findlay-and-durst.html |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Further space was leased in the 1950s and 1960s to tenants such as specialty shop Blackton-Fifth Avenue Ltd.,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=February 23, 1951 |title=Corsets – Brassieres: To Open Newest Blackton Unit |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=42 |volume=82 |issue=38 |id={{ProQuest|1522629719}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 17, 1950 |title=Apparel Shop Gets Two 5th Ave. Stores |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/03/17/archives/apparel-shop-gets-two-5th-ave-stores.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the U.S. Senate campaign offices of [[Herbert Lehman]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 1950 |title=Lehman Party Today; Candidate to Open Offices at 730 Fifth Avenue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/10/04/archives/lehman-party-today-candidate-to-open-offices-at-730-fifth-avenue.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> talent agency Mercury Artists,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 23, 1953 |title=Night Clubs-Vaude: Mercury Has Lush Set-Up At 730 5th |magazine=The Billboard |pages=19 |volume=65 |issue=21 |id={{ProQuest|1040278078}}}}</ref> paint company Martin-Senour,<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 21, 1959 |title=Space is Leased Top Paint Maker; Martin-Senour to Be Tenant in 730 Fifth Ave. – Carton Company Takes Floor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/21/archives/space-is-leased-top-paint-maker-martinsenour-to-be-tenant-in-730.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and cosmetic and perfume company Lanvin-Charles of the Ritz.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 7, 1964 |title=Big Space Taken at 730 Fifth Ave; Lanvin
The building was renamed the '''Genesco Building''' in 1964, when [[Genesco]] became a major tenant.<ref name="nyt-1991-02-03" /><ref name="NYCL p. 14">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2024|ps=.|p=14}}</ref> At the time, Genesco owned an I. Miller shoe store at the base and the [[Bonwit Teller]] department store across the street.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /> In 1966, the building was sold to Centurion Real Estate Inc.<ref name="Horsley 1978" /><ref name="NYCL p. 14" /> [[Paul Goldberger]] of ''The New York Times'' wrote in the 1970s that the base of the Genesco Building contained a wooden tent which housed the I. Miller store.<ref name="nyt-1976-09-24">{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=September 24, 1976 |title=Metropolitan Baedeker |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/24/archives/metropolitan-baedeker-strolling-elegant-57th-street.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By the late 1970s, Centurion reported that the building was nearly fully occupied.<ref name="Horsley 1978" />
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==== Acquisition, renovation, and new tenants ====
[[File:5_Av_Apr_2024_98.jpg|alt=The Crown Building as seen from one block north. 712 Fifth Avenue is in the background, and the Bergdorf Goodman Building is in the foreground.|thumb|The Crown Building as seen from one block north. [[712 Fifth Avenue]] is in the background, and the [[Bergdorf Goodman Building]] is in the foreground.]]
The Genesco Building at 730 Fifth Avenue was sold in September 1981 to Ralph and Joseph Bernstein of the New York Land Company, which was initially reported to be representing an anonymous Canadian investment group.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barmash |first=Isadore |date=July 15, 1982 |title=Herald Sq. Korvettes Store to Be Mall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/07/15/business/herald-sq-korvettes-store-to-be-mall.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The real buyer was [[Imelda Marcos]], the wife of Philippine dictator [[Ferdinand Marcos]], who purchased it through a Dutch Antillean company named Lastura Corp. N.V.<ref name="nyt-1986-03-21">{{Cite news |last=Perlez |first=Jane |date=March 21, 1986 |title=Marcos Linked to Four Manhattan Sites |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/21/world/marcos-linked-to-four-manhattan-sites.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Lastura, in turn, was owned by a Panamanian shell company.<ref name="nyt-1991-01-13">{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=January 13, 1991 |title=Commercial Property: The Bernstein Brothers; A Tangled Tale of Americas Towers and the Crown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/13/realestate/commercial-property-bernstein-brothers-tangled-tale-americas-towers-crown.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{Efn|The owner of the Lastura Corporation has been variously cited as Trade & Commodities S.A., Paneles Porcelanizados S.A., and Yewell Compagnie Immobiliere S.A.<ref name="nyt-1991-01-13" /> Lastura itself was subsequently renamed the Canadian Land Company, then Crown Building N.V.<ref name="nyt-1991-01-13" /><ref name="Filipino Reporter 1994" />}} In a subsequent criminal case, one witness testified that Ferdinand Marcos was initially reluctant to buy the building, but relented after his wife tearfully pleaded for him to purchase it.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moses |first=Paul |date=April 10, 1990 |title=Banker: Imelda's Tears Did Trick |work=Newsday |page=17 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|2122298155}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Wolff |first=Craig |date=April 10, 1990 |title=Marcos Said to Have Wept for Gift Of Skyscraper From Her Husband |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/10/nyregion/marcos-said-to-have-wept-for-gift-of-skyscraper-from-her-husband.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The acquisition cost $51 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Waldman |first=Myron S. |date=April 10, 1986 |title=The Marcos Bite of Big Apple: Marcoses' Manhattan Millions Real-estate dealers reveal holdings of Philippines' ex-first family |work=Newsday |page=1 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|1645363045}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 20, 1985 |title=Where is the Wealth? U. S. Holdings Are Cited |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/20/world/where-is-the-wealth-us-holdings-are-cited.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="wp-1986-03-30" /><ref name="Moritz 1986">{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=February 27, 1986 |title=Marcos unloading land |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-marcos-unloading-land/149529050/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=Daily News |pages=103}}</ref> Joseph Bernstein was designated as the trustee for Lastura Corp. N.V.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bivins |first=Larry |date=March 21, 1986 |title=Mister New York |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285269172}}
The Genesco Building was renamed the '''Crown Building''' in 1983, after its crown-like look when illuminated at night.<ref name="JewishSpitzers" /> New York Land subsequently spent $15 million on redecorating the building,<ref name="Selvin 1989">{{cite news |last=Selvin |first=Barbara W. |date=November 6, 1989 |title=Commercial Real Estate Marcos Sales Tough Task to Master |work=Newsday |page=2 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278166916}}}}</ref><ref name="Lipman 1986" /> and it paid another $70 million to buy and renovate a [[Korvettes]] storefront in the building.<ref name="Lipman 1986">{{cite news |last=Lipman |first=Joanne |date=March 6, 1986 |title=The Landlord's Lot Is Not an Easy One; Ask the Marcoses – Minding New York Property And Its Hired Managers Is Difficult From Manila |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|398034533}}}}</ref> The new owners added 23-karat gold leaf to the building's facade,<ref name="Daily News 1982" /><ref>{{Cite news |
During the 1980s, a group of 38 art galleries leased the building's second and third floors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brenson |first=Michael |date=May 20, 1983 |title=Art People; City's art policeman. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/20/arts/art-people-city-s-art-policeman.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Other new tenants during that decade included a store for [[Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A.]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Shawn G. |date=August 26, 1984 |title=New Signs of Old Glamour on Fifth Ave. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/26/realestate/new-signs-of-old-glamour-on-fifth-ave.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> a temporary construction office for [[Donald Trump]],<ref name="Lipman 1986" /> the headquarters of fashion brand [[Pierre Cardin (brand)|Pierre Cardin]],<ref>{{cite magazine |date=March 7, 1986 |title=Cardin U.S.A. Moving Into Crown Building |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=13 |volume=151 |issue=46 |id={{ProQuest|1445599430}}}}</ref> and a jewelry gallery.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Behen |first=Madonna |date=December 1, 1989 |title=Artium Opens Gallery Of Jewelry In Manhattan |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=10 |volume=158 |issue=104 |id={{ProQuest|1445589400}}}}</ref> New York Land also wanted to market the office space to large firms, so it paid some of the smaller tenants to move out.<ref name="Lipman 1986" /> Shoe companies opened showrooms within the building, and retail space was being rented for about {{Convert|500|$/ft2}} by the late 1980s, making it among the world's most expensive retail space.<ref name="Selvin 1989" /> Among the retail tenants at that time were [[Bulgari]] and [[Sharper Image]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Moin |first=David |date=February 13, 1989 |title=57th And Fifth: The Street Is Paved With Gold: The Gilding Of 57th And Fifth |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=1, 4, 5 |volume=151 |issue=30 |id={{ProQuest|1445726384}}}}</ref> Also during that decade, preservationists had proposed designating the Crown Building as a contributing property to a planned historic district along the midtown section of Fifth Avenue. The historic district was never created.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=February 13, 1985 |title=Developers' lust decried |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79056117/developers-lust-decried/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606171341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79056117/developers-lust-decried/ |archive-date=June 6, 2021 |access-date=June 6, 2021 |work=New York Daily News |pages=119}}</ref>
==== Attempted sales ====
In August 1985, opposition politicians in the [[National Assembly of the Philippines]] submitted a complaint in an unsuccessful attempt to impeach Marcos; the complaint alleged that Imelda Marcos had bought the Crown Building in 1981.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lohr |first=Steve |date=August 14, 1985 |title=Marcos Allies Bar Impeachment Bill |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/14/world/marcos-allies-bar-impeachment-bill.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A [[United States House of Representatives]] committee found that the Bernsteins had been working on behalf of Marcos,<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1986 |title=Lawyer: Marcos Ownership Implied |pages=16 |work=Newsday |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100187001/lawyer-marcos-ownership-implied/ |access-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421182252/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100187001/lawyer-marcos-ownership-implied/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerth |first=Jeff |date=January 16, 1986 |title=U.S. Panel Links a Banker to Marcos |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/16/world/us-panel-links-a-banker-to-marcos.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421183252/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/16/world/us-panel-links-a-banker-to-marcos.html |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> who had intended the building and several others as a gift for his wife [[Imelda Marcos|Imelda]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerth |first=Jeff |date=January 30, 1986 |title=4 New York Buildings Called Marcos Gifts to Wife |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/30/world/4-new-york-buildings-called-marcos-gifts-to-wife.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421183253/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/30/world/4-new-york-buildings-called-marcos-gifts-to-wife.html |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{efn|Marcos was also found to have purchased several other New York City buildings; see [[Overseas landholdings of the Marcos family]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perlez |first=Jane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/06/world/manila-under-aquino-lawyers-joust-manhattan-manila-wins-round-with-marcos-new.html |title=Manila Under Aquino: Lawyers Joust in Manhattan; Manila Wins Round with Marcos in New York Court |date=March 6, 1986 |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 29, 2020 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524184933/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/06/world/manila-under-aquino-lawyers-joust-manhattan-manila-wins-round-with-marcos-new.html |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} ''The Washington Post'' reported that in coded cables between the Marcos family and their alleged "front" in Manhattan, Gliceria Tantoco, the Crown Building was referred to using the code word "Ferragamo".<ref name="wp-1986-03-30">{{Cite news |last=Russakoff |first=Dale |date=March 30, 1986 |title=The Philippines: Anatomy of a Looting |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/03/30/the-philippines-anatomy-of-a-looting/620251dc-cffe-46f3-be40-a248f501882c/ |access-date=October 15, 2021 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=August 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825214557/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/03/30/the-philippines-anatomy-of-a-looting/620251dc-cffe-46f3-be40-a248f501882c/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By February 1986, the Crown Building and three other buildings reportedly owned by the Marcoses were being placed for sale.<ref name="Moritz 1986" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerth |first=Jeff |date=February 22, 1986 |title=4 New York Buildings Linked to Marcos Up for Sale |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/22/world/4-new-york-buildings-linked-to-marcos-up-for-sale.html |access-date=December 27, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Around that time, the Bernsteins were contemplating paying $250 million for the Crown Building and two of the other buildings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bivins |first=Larry |date=February 28, 1986 |title=Bernstein Brothers: Killer B's |work=Newsday |page=3 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285254349}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Lipman |first=Joanne |date=February 25, 1986 |title=Three Buildings Linked to Marcos May Change Hands: Option Calls for Purchase Of New York Properties At Price of $2 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=2 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|135113247}}}}</ref> The Bernsteins alleged that they paid $235 million for the Crown Building, Herald Center, and [[40 Wall Street]],<ref name="Grant 1989" /><ref name="Berkowitz 1989">{{cite news |
After Marcos was forced out of office, the administration of his successor [[Corazon Aquino]] froze Marcos's assets within U.S. banking channels in March 1986.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rosenfeld |first=Neill S. |date=March 4, 1986 |title=Marcos' NY Properties Frozen By State Court at Aquino Behest |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285295278}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Pace |first=Eric |date=March 4, 1986 |title=Marcos Holdings Frozen by Judge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/04/world/marcos-holdings-frozen-by-judge.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524184057/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/04/world/marcos-holdings-frozen-by-judge.html |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |access-date=April 29, 2020 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As a result, the building's tax bills went unpaid.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 19, 1987 |title=Court Widens Discrimination Ban |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100187704/court-widens-discrimination-ban/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421182252/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100187704/court-widens-discrimination-ban/ |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=April 21, 2022 |work=Newsday |pages=9, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100187672/ 27] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> A lawyer alleged that the building's value was declining under the Bernsteins' management.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bivins |first=Larry |date=April 19, 1986 |title=Value of 3 Holdings Said to Be Dropping |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-value-of-3-holdings-said-to-be-d/149527942/ |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=6}}</ref> After a U.S. circuit court ruled to block the sale of the Marcos properties in November 1986, Aquino's administration filed a lawsuit against the Marcos estate to obtain [[Title (property)|title]] to the buildings.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 30, 1986 |title=Manila Sues for Title to Marcos' N.Y. Properties |work=Los Angeles Times |page=5 |id={{ProQuest|292531084}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 30, 1986 |title=Manila Seeks Possession of 4 Manhattan Buildings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/30/world/manila-seeks-possession-of-4-manhattan-buildings.html |access-date=December 27, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[Security Pacific Bank]] held one of the building's mortgage loans, which was worth either $60 million<ref name="nyt-1989-11-08">{{Cite news |last=Barmash |first=Isadore |date=November 8, 1989 |title=Retail Mall on 34th St. Set for Auction Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/08/business/retail-mall-on-34th-st-set-for-auction-today.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> or $76 million by 1989.<ref name="The New York Times 1989" /> Two additional mortgages, totaling $39 million, were held by Mabari, a Liechtenstein foundation originally operated by Khashoggi.<ref name="nyt-1991-01-13" /> The Marcoses defaulted on the Security Pacific loan in 1987,<ref>{{cite news |last=Schatz |first=Robin |date=March 2, 1987 |title=A World of Trouble At Herald Center |work=Newsday |page=1 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285387533}}}}</ref> and the loan had been foreclosed upon by the following year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 13, 1988 |title=Giuliani Reportedly Seeks to Indict Marcos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-giuliani-reportedly-see/149547562/ |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |pages=3 |agency=The Associated Press}}</ref> Federal judge [[Pierre N. Leval]] ruled in 1988 that the building could be sold at a foreclosure auction.<ref name="nyt-1989-11-08" /> The first through third floors, which were leased to I. Miller and then re-leased to Bulgari, were exempted from the foreclosure auction because I. Miller's lease had been negotiated long before the Marcoses obtained the building.<ref name="nyt-1991-01-13" />
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=== Spitzer, Winter, and Greene ownership ===
The Aquino administration, Khashoggi, and the Bernsteins settled their conflicting claims to the building in late 1990, agreeing to split the profits after the building was sold and the mortgage was paid off.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pacelle |first=Mitchell |date=February 8, 1991 |title=Crown Building's Auction May Define Extent of New York Real Estate Decline |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=B7C |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|135537286}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moses |first=Paul |date=December 21, 1990 |title=Philippines Gets Share In Marcos Site Profits |work=Newsday |page= |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278263801}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=December 21, 1990 |title=Partnership Ends Feud Over Marcos Property |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/21/nyregion/partnership-ends-feud-over-marcos-property.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By then, the building was half-empty.<ref name="nyt-1991-01-13" /> There had been few attempts to attract new tenants or maintain the building during the late 1980s, and its largest tenant had moved out.<ref name="The New York Times 1989" /> The Crown Building was ultimately sold in February 1991 to real-estate developers [[Bernard Spitzer]], Marvin Winter, and Jerome L. Greene for $93.6 million, only a few thousand dollars above Security Pacific's bid.<ref name="The Wall Street Journal 1991" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hylton |first=Richard D. |date=February 10, 1991 |title=Philippines Gains Little In Marcos Building Sale |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/10/nyregion/philippines-gains-little-in-marcos-building-sale.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306230338/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/10/nyregion/philippines-gains-little-in-marcos-building-sale.html |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> After the $89 million mortgage and various taxes were paid off, comparatively little remained;<ref name="Hylton 1991" /><ref name="Chicago Tribune 1991" /> the Philippine government received about $3,000 in total.<ref name="Filipino Reporter 1994">{{Cite news |date=March 24, 1994 |title=NY taxmen go after a third Philippine bldg. |work=Filipino Reporter |page=1 |id={{
The building was 80 percent occupied by 1993, with foreign companies comprising many of the new tenants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=January 24, 1993 |title=Commercial Property: Fifth Avenue; Doldrums? Not Along Fifth Ave. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/24/realestate/commercial-property-fifth-avenue-doldrums-not-along-fifth-ave.html |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The building's occupants during the 1990s included fashion designer [[Louis Féraud]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Moin |first=David |date=March 14, 1990 |title=Retailing: A Feraud Showcase on 56th |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=26 |volume=159 |issue=51 |id={{ProQuest|1498747748}}}}</ref> fashion designer [[Laura Biagiotti]],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Costin |first=Glynis |date=July 8, 1992 |title=Sergio Valente To Open In Biagiotti's Boutique |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=2 |volume=164 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|1445710328}}}}</ref> art gallery [[Kennedy Galleries]],<ref name="nyt-1994-09-04">{{Cite news |last=Deutsch |first=Claudia H. |date=September 4, 1994 |title=Commercial Property/The Art World; Galleries, Off Critical List, Opening or Expanding |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/04/realestate/commercial-property-art-world-galleries-off-critical-list-opening-expanding.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> fashion showroom Falmola,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 2, 1998 |title=Falmola's New Showroom |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=35 |volume=176 |issue=45 |id={{ProQuest|1445651748}}}}</ref> antique dealer [[Israel Sack]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vogel |first=Carol |date=April 2, 1993 |title=The Art Market |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/02/arts/the-art-market.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and watch company [[Piaget SA]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rothstein |first=Mervyn |date=March 20, 1996 |title=Real Estate;A new agency of New York City is moving into the International Design Center in Long Island City. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/20/business/real-estate-new-agency-new-york-city-moving-into-international-design-center.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Luxury goods store [[Bruno Magli]] leased the penthouse,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schiro |first=Anne-Marie |date=August 11, 1992 |title=Patterns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/11/news/patterns-426092.html |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> while other office space was occupied by fashion firm [[Mondo (Italian company)|Mondo Inc.]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rothstein |first=Mervyn |date=February 27, 1997 |title=Italian Dressing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/27/nyregion/italian-dressing.html |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> lifestyle magazine ''[[Playboy]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Haughney |first=Christine |date=August 23, 2004 |title=Up for staying put |magazine=Crain's New York Business |page=3 |volume=20 |issue=34 |id={{ProQuest|219169177}}}}</ref> and hotel chain [[Sun International]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pristin |first=Terry |date=February 24, 1998 |title=Metro Business; New York Office for Sun |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/24/nyregion/metro-business-new-york-office-for-sun.html |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Despite the owners' initial failure to attract art-gallery owners to the building, by the mid-1990s the Crown Building was in high demand among art galleries.<ref name="nyt-1994-09-04" /> An executive for the building's leasing agent, [[Cushman & Wakefield]], said that they wanted to lease the space to high-end tenants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Deutsch |first=Claudia H. |date=July 30, 1995 |title=Commercial Property/Fifth Avenue in the 50's; As Troubles Ebb, It's Becoming The Avenue Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/30/realestate/commercial-property-fifth-avenue-50-s-troubles-ebb-it-s-becoming-avenue-again.html |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The owners also leased out some prebuilt office space in the building.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Walsh |first=Mark |date=April 21, 1997 |title=The return of the instant office |magazine=Crain's New York Business |page=32 |volume=13 |issue=16 |id={{ProQuest|219128532}}}}</ref>
During the 2000s, the building gained tenants such as a [[Smythson]] stationery store,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 17, 2001 |title=Findings |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=10 |volume= |issue= |id={{ProQuest|231154194}}}}</ref> a [[Vidal Sassoon]] fashion salon,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 10, 2000 |title=Vidal Sassoon Aims For Harmony |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=10 |volume=180 |issue=90 |id={{ProQuest|1434239858}}}}</ref> a Gilan jewelry showroom,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Karimzadeh |first=Marc |date=December 22, 2003 |title=Accessories Report: Two Jewel Boxes Charm Manhattan: Gilan |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=11 |volume=186 |issue=128 |id={{ProQuest|1434269044}}}}</ref> and the headquarters of the Nina Footwear Corporation (which had acquired I. Miller).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Claire |date=August 26, 2007 |title=At Headquarters, Shoes Are the Showcase |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/realestate/commercial/26sqft.html |access-date=June 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In addition, the building had a [[coworking]] space.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Golden |first=John |date=June 11, 2007 |title=A 'suite' deal |
=== Redevelopment ===
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==== Sales ====
[[File:Über allem weht stets das Sternenbanner... - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Seen from Fifth Avenue]]
In December 2014, Eliot Spitzer and the Winters began looking to sell the building for at least $1.8 billion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Katz |first=Rayna |date=December 5, 2014 |title=Crown Building Is on the Block |url=https://www.globest.com/2014/12/05/crown-building-is-on-the-block/?slreturn=20240614115830 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=GlobeSt}}</ref> [[Jeff Sutton (real estate developer)|Jeff Sutton]]'s Wharton Properties and [[Sandeep Mathrani]]'s [[General Growth Properties]] purchased the building for about $1.75 billion that month,{{Efn|The price has also been cited as $1.77 billion<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |date=June 15, 2015 |title=Spitzer Charges Into His Family's Real Estate Business |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/16/nyregion/spitzer-charging-into-his-familys-real-estate-business.html |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> or $1.78 billion.<ref name="Willis 2015 a999" />}} including both the office space and the lower-story retail space.<ref name="Moses 2014">{{Cite web |last=Moses |first=Claire |date=December 19, 2014 |title=Crown Building Sale |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2014/12/19/sutton-and-ggps-1-75b-crown-building-buy-sets-world-record/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=The Real Deal
Wharton and General Growth finalized their purchase in April 2015.<ref name="Willis 2015 a999">{{cite web |last=Willis |first=Haisten |date=April 23, 2015 |title=The Crown Building in New York Sells for $1.78B |url=https://rebusinessonline.com/the-crown-building-in-new-york-sells-for-1-78b/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=REBusinessOnline |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Gross |first=Max |date=April 20, 2015 |title=Sutton Closes on Crown Building and Inks Deal for Aman Hotel |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/04/sutton-closes-on-crown-building-and-inks-deal-for-aman-hotel/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Commercial Observer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Clarke |first=Katherine |date=April 30, 2015 |title=Eliot Spitzer's real estate biz sets world record with $1.78B sale of Midtown office gem |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/04/30/eliot-spitzers-real-estate-biz-sets-world-record-with-178b-sale-of-midtown-office-gem/ |access-date=June 19, 2024 |website=New York Daily News}}</ref> That month, developer [[Michael Shvo]] and Russian billionaire [[Vladislav Doronin]] purchased the top 21 stories for about $500 million.<ref name="Willis 2015 a999" /><ref name="Pomorski 2022 c477" /> Shvo and Doronin beat out several other large bidders, including the [[Blackstone Group]], [[the Carlyle Group]], and [[LVMH]].<ref name="Pomorski 2022 c477" /> Shvo and Doronin announced plans to convert and redevelop their portion of the Crown Building into the Aman New York, a luxury hotel and residences.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 7, 2015 |title=Shvo, Aman Resorts buy non-retail piece of Crown Building for $500M |url=http://therealdeal.com/blog/2015/04/07/shvo-amanresorts-buy-most-of-the-crown-building-for-475m/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101033217/http://therealdeal.com/blog/2015/04/07/shvo-amanresorts-buy-most-of-the-crown-building-for-475m/ |archive-date=November 1, 2015 |access-date=November 12, 2015 |work=The Real Deal}}</ref> The hotel and residences would be operated by Doronin's [[Aman Resorts]]<ref name="Morris 2019" /> and would be the third Aman resort located in a city.<ref name="Pomorski 2022 c477">{{cite web |last=Pomorski |first=Chris |date=October 17, 2022 |title=The Billionaire Behind New York's Most Luxe Hotel |url=https://www.curbed.com/2022/10/aman-new-york-vladislav-doronin.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Curbed}}</ref> Some of the building's office tenants began leaving after the sale was announced,<ref>{{cite web |last=Baird-Remba |first=Rebecca |date=March 21, 2018 |title=Investment Firm Abandons Crown Building for New 57th Street Offices |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2018/03/industrial-investment-firm-abandons-crown-building-for-new-west-57th-street-offices/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Commercial Observer}}</ref> while other tenants, including several art galleries, were forced out of the office space against their wishes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pogrebin |first=Robin |date=April 7, 2016 |title=Art May Clash With Commerce in the Crown Building |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/08/arts/design/art-may-clash-with-commerce-in-the-crown-building.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Wharton and General Growth also evicted tenants on the lower stories so these areas could be converted to retail space.<ref name="r623">{{cite web |last=Stulberg |first=Ariel |date=June 1, 2016 |title=Sutton, GGP buy ICM Partners out of Crown Building sublease |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2016/06/01/sutton-ggp-buy-icm-partners-out-of-crown-building-sublease/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref> They leased out two of the building's storefronts at rates that greatly exceeded the area's {{Convert|3324|$/ft2}} average.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Edelson |first=Sharon |date=July 17, 2017 |title=For Rent: Have rents peaked? Is the worst over or will there be more pain? A correction is seen as bringing stability to the market |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=1, 6–7 |volume= |issue= |id={{ProQuest|2196329026}}}}</ref> Bulgari signed a new lease in late 2015, reducing its space to {{convert|3675|ft2}},<ref>{{cite web |last=Guerre |first=Liam La |date=November 10, 2015 |title=Bulgari Shrinking With New Lease in the Crown Building |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/11/bulgari-shrinking-with-new-lease-in-the-crown-building/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Commercial Observer |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |
==== Hotel conversion ====
Mikimoto renovated its {{convert|1800|ft2|adj=on}} store at the building in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Garced |first=Kristi |date=November 10, 2016 |title=Mikimoto Revamps Flagship, Launches Gem Book |url=https://wwd.com/feature/mikimoto-flagship-gem-book-pearl-10697875/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=WWD}}</ref> Shvo and Doronin submitted a condominium offering plan to the [[New York Attorney General]]'s office that November.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bockmann |first=Rich |date=November 23, 2016 |title=Shvo, Doronin moving forward with Crown Building conversion |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2016/11/23/shvo-doronin-moving-forward-with-crown-building-conversion/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref><ref name="Rosenberg 2016 d532">{{cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Zoe |date=November 23, 2016 |title=Midtown's Crown Building will indeed get "ultraluxury" condos, hotel |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2016/11/23/13734024/crown-building-residential-conversion-plans-nyc |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Curbed NY}}</ref> Early plans called for 79 hotel rooms on the 4th through 9th stories; three floors of amenity space; and 26 residential condos above the 11th story.<ref name="Rosenberg 2016 d532" /><ref>{{cite web |date=December 7, 2016 |title=Shvo Files Plans to Convert Crown Building to Condominiums and Hotel at 730 Fifth Avenue |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/12/shvo-files-plans-to-convert-crown-building-to-condominiums-and-hotel-at-730-fifth-avenue.html |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=New York YIMBY}}</ref> The terms of the Aman New York's condo offering allowed the developers to rent out some of the apartments as hotel rooms.<ref name="Hughes 2022 e751">{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=C. J. |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Despite a sleepy summer for luxury sales, closings on condos at the Aman New York appear strong |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/residential-real-estate/despite-sleepy-summer-luxury-sales-closings-condos-aman-new-york-appear |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Crain's New York Business}}</ref> Following allegations of corruption against Shvo,<ref name="Pomorski 2022 c477" /> he was ousted as one of the hotel's developers by September 2017, although Shvo still owned a partial stake in the project.<ref>{{cite web |last=Solomont |first=E.B. |date=September 19, 2017 |title=Shvo no longer co-developer of Crown Building conversion: OKO |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2017/09/19/shvo-no-longer-co-developer-of-crown-building-conversion-oko/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref> Doronin estimated that the penthouse apartment would be sold for $100 million, while the other units would be sold for at least $4 million.<ref name="Rosenberg 2017 z920" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Tarmy |first=James |date=October 26, 2017 |title=Aman Resorts Is Bringing $50 Million Condos to NYC |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-26/aman-resorts-coming-to-new-york-with-multimillion-dollar-condos |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> Doronin also planned to add large terraces and outdoor pools to the setbacks.<ref name="Clarke 2017" /> The Crown Building's Bulgari store opened in October 2017 following a renovation designed by [[Peter Marino]].<ref name="Moin 2017" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schneier |first=Matthew |date=October 24, 2017 |title=Bulgari Reopens Fifth Avenue Flagship Store |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/24/fashion/bulgari-reopens-fifth-avenue-flagship-store.html |access-date=June 15, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In March 2018, a buyer offered $180 million for the Aman's penthouse, making it one of the highest-priced residential sales in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |last=Solomont |first=E.B. |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Crown Building penthouse in contract for whopping $180M |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2018/03/15/crown-building-penthouse-in-contract-for-whopping-180m-sources/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Plitt |first=Amy |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Crown Building's five-story, $180M penthouse allegedly has a buyer |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2018/3/15/17126602/midtown-nyc-crown-building-penthouse-sold |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Curbed NY}}</ref> Doronin received a $284 million loan for the hotel portion of the building that December.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grossman |first=Matt |date=January 8, 2019 |title=Cain International Steps in on $1B Crown Building Refi |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2019/01/cain-crown-building-refi/ |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=Commercial Observer |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last1=Solomont |first1=E.B. |last2=Putzier |first2=Konrad |date=December 19, 2018 |title=Doronin, Aman Group land $285M development loan for Crown Building |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2018/12/19/doronin-aman-group-land-285m-development-loan-for-crown-building/ |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref> The Zegna store at the building's base was also redesigned by Marino and reopened in February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zargani |first=Luisa |date=February 13, 2019 |title=Ermenegildo Zegna Flagship Opens in New York |url=https://wwd.com/menswear-news/mens-retail-business/ermenegildo-zegna-flagship-opens-in-new-york-1203023055/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415171126/https://wwd.com/menswear-news/mens-retail-business/ermenegildo-zegna-flagship-opens-in-new-york-1203023055/ |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=January 3, 2021 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> By mid-2019, there were buyers for about half of the building's apartments, despite decreased demand for luxury apartments along the nearby [[Billionaires' Row (Manhattan)|Billionaires' Row]].<ref name="Clarke 2019" /> The sales office was open only to invited guests who first underwent an extensive background check.<ref name="Clarke 2019" /><ref name="Plitt q147" /> At the time, the condos were being sold for between $4.7 million and $83 million, even though public sales had not even begun.<ref name="Clarke 2019" /> Also in 2019, Wharton and General Growth sought a $900 million loan to refinance the building's retail space,<ref>{{cite web |
Jean-Michel Gathy was hired to renovate the hotel portion of the building,<ref name="Blumenthal 2023" /><ref name="Abrahams 2022 e320" /> while the brokerage [[Douglas Elliman]] was hired to place the residential condos on sale.<ref name="New York YIMBY u860" /> Residential sales at the Crown Building commenced in January 2020,<ref name="Dilakian Wall 2024 d259">{{cite web |
==== Hotel opening and 2020s ====
The Aman New York opened on August 11, 2022.<ref name="Wrathall 2022" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Ekstein |first=Nikki |date=August 11, 2022 |title=At Aman New York, a $20,000 Suite Doesn't Get You Full Hotel Access |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-08-11/aman-new-york-is-the-most-expensive-hotel-in-nyc-exclusive-first-look-photos |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref name="Rahmanan 2022 y336">{{cite web |last=Rahmanan |first=Anna |date=August 12, 2022 |title=See inside the most expensive hotel in NYC |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/see-inside-the-most-expensive-hotel-in-nyc-081222 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref> The cheapest rooms rented for $3,200<ref name="nyt-2022-08-23" /><ref name="Kachroo-Levine 2022 y293" /><ref name="Kim 2022 c394" /> or $3,400 a night,<ref>{{cite web |last=Bhojwani |first=Romy |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Aman New York Opens Amid Return to Strong Hospitality Fundamentals |url=https://www.costar.com/article/772052595/aman-new-york-opens-amid-return-to-strong-hospitality-fundamentals |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=CoStar}}</ref> making the Aman the city's most expensive hotel.<ref name="Chaffin 2023" /><ref name="Rahmanan 2022 y336" /> The Aman also had a private club that, at the time of the hotel's opening, had an upfront membership fee of $200,000, excluding the $15,000 annual renewal fee.<ref name="Chaffin 2023" /><ref name="SCMP v106" /> ''The New York Times'' reported that, at the Aman's opening, there was so much demand for the hotel that even some of the club's members had difficulties reserving rooms.<ref name="nyt-2022-08-23" /> The following month, Doronin considered selling the hotel portion of the building for at least $600 million,<ref name="f929" /> though Aman would continue to operate the hotel.<ref name="Cheng 2022 q578" /><ref name="f929">{{cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jack |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Aman Group Puts NYC's Crown Building on Market for $600M |url=https://www.globest.com/2022/09/09/aman-group-puts-nycs-crown-building-on-market-for-600m/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=GlobeSt |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Dilakian |first=Steven |date=September 7, 2022 |title=Vlad Doronin's Aman Group Eyeing Sale of Crown Building |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2022/09/07/doronins-aman-group-eyeing-sale-of-crown-building/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref> A [[Chopard]] watch shop opened at the building's base in December 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reddinger |first=Paige |date=December 6, 2022 |title=Bright Lights, Big Diamonds: Chopard Just Opened a New Flagship Store in New York City |url=https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/chopard-opens-new-fifth-avenue-boutique-1234781845/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Robb Report |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |date=December 5, 2022 |title=Chopard Celebrates Grand Opening Of Its New Fifth Avenue Flagship |url=https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/chopard-fifth-avenue-flagship/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=JCK}}</ref> Three of the building's apartments ranked among the most expensive apartments in New York City during 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tarmy |first=James |date=December 16, 2022 |title=Here Are This Year's 10 Most Expensive NYC Residential Sales |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-16/the-10-most-expensive-nyc-residential-sales-2022-condos-co-ops-townhouses |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref>
In 2023, the Aman began renting out some of the private apartments to hotel guests as part of a program where condos' owners could opt to rent out their homes.<ref>{{cite web | last=Montanez | first=Abby | title=Exclusive: Aman New York Is Opening Its Private Residences for Overnight Stays. Here's a Look Inside. | website=Robb Report | date=September 12, 2023 | url=https://robbreport.com/shelter/vacation-homes/aman-new-york-home-rentals-1234893427/ | access-date=June 15, 2024}}</ref> The fashion house [[Chanel]] opened a two-story store at the Crown Building's base, its first standalone watch-and-jewelry boutique in the United States, in February 2024.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Chanel opens its first U.S. store dedicated to jewelry and watches |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/retail/chanel-opens-its-first-us-store-dedicated-jewelry-and-watches |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=Crain's New York Business |postscript=none}}; {{Cite web |last=Berlinger |first=Max |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Chanel Opens Its First US Store Dedicated to Jewelry and Watches |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-08/chanel-opens-first-us-store-dedicated-to-jewelry-watches-on-fifth-avenue-nyc |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> By the next month, sales had been finalized for 17 of the condos.<ref name="Dilakian Wall 2024 d259" /> The purchasers of the condos included a trust operated by [[Meta Platforms]]<ref>{{cite web |
==Reception==
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=== Architectural commentary ===
[[File:Roof of the Crown Building (4688621274).jpg|thumb|The building's roof]]
When the Heckscher Building was being planned, the ''[[New-York Tribune]]'' wrote that the structure exemplified the commercial and architectural changes taking place on Fifth Avenue.<ref name="NYCL p. 10" /><ref name="New-York Tribune 1920a" /> The ''[[New York Herald]]'' called the structure a "cathedral of commerce",<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 21, 1920 |title=Glimpsing Fifth Avenue's Future in the Crystal Ball |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald-glimpsing-fifth-avenues/149464301/ |access-date=June 16, 2024 |work=New York Herald |pages=59}}</ref> while Heckscher himself called it the "tower of trade".<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="Horsley 1978" /> As the building was being completed in 1921, [[Aymar Embury II]] wrote in ''Architectural Forum'' magazine that the building's massing was "perhaps as attractive as that of any in the city", aside from the [[Woolworth Building]].<ref name="AF p. 122" /> The same year, the ''[[New York World]]'' wrote that the Heckscher Building was one of several new skyscrapers that exemplified the idea of the pyramid-roofed tower.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1921 |title=Pyramid Skyscrapers Liked by New York Newspapers: "Will Become Ear-marks of Father Knickerbocker's City Beautiful," According to One Critic |work=Courier-Journal |page=B7 |id={{
Following the building's completion, the architect [[Harvey Wiley Corbett]] stated that the Heckscher Building had a "very pleasing contour", especially its topmost portion, and was "more interesting certainly than the old buildings" further down Fifth Avenue.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Corbett |first=Harvey W. |date=June 8, 1921 |title=High Buildings on Narrow Streets: Being Extracts From a Paper Delivered Before the Fifty-fourth Annual Convention of the American Institute of Architects Planning High Buildings |
Writing retrospectively in 1976, Paul Goldberger said that the building's roof "made it an early and significant presence on the Fifth Avenue skyline".<ref name="nyt-1976-09-24" /> After Douglas Leigh replaced the building's lighting in the 1980s, Goldberger wrote that the "intricate mix of gilding and lighting [...] works superbly",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=December 13, 1984 |title=Critic's Notebook; a Snowflake Weighs Heavily on Fifth Avenue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/13/arts/critic-s-notebook-a-snowflake-weighs-heavily-on-fifith-avenue.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> though architect [[Patricia Conway (architect)|Patricia Conway]] regarded the gilding as "rather excessive, and not architecturally appropriate".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goncharoff |first=Katya |date=August 12, 1984 |title=The Glitter of Gold Gains in Facade and Lobby Decor: Some Say Owners Feel Gilding May Enhance Values |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/12/realestate/the-glitter-of-gold-gains-in-facade-and-lobby-door-some-owners.html |access-date=June 17, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In his 1987 book ''New York 1930'', [[Robert A. M. Stern]] wrote that the presence of the Heckscher Building "signaled a new scale of development" along 57th Street.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 362" /> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' described the original building as being "a monument to the Beaux-Arts movement" when it was built.<ref name="Clarke 2019" />
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