520 Madison Avenue
520 Madison Avenue is a distinctive Class A office tower located at the corner of East 53rd Street and Madison Avenue, positioning it squarely within the Plaza District, one of Manhattan’s most prestigious corporate corridors. Known for its angular, faceted glass façade and strong architectural identity, the building stands apart from more traditional Midtown towers, offering tenants both visual distinction and functional office space.
Completed in 1982 and designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, the building rises with a sloped, chamfered profile that creates a dynamic presence along Madison Avenue. Its design allows for multiple corner exposures and strong natural light penetration, which translates directly into more desirable office environments across many floors.
The property contains approximately 1.0 million square feet of office space and rises 43 stories, giving it the scale to accommodate both institutional tenants and multi-floor occupiers. Floorplates are generally efficient and range from mid-sized to larger configurations, making the building suitable for a variety of layouts—from traditional perimeter office setups to open-plan environments.
A defining feature of 520 Madison Avenue is its setback plaza and retail integration at the base, which enhances both street presence and tenant experience. The building includes a privately owned public space (POPS), contributing to a more open and accessible arrival sequence compared to typical Midtown towers.
The lobby is designed with a formal, corporate aesthetic, incorporating stone finishes, high ceilings, and a structured entry point that reinforces the building’s Class A positioning. Over time, the property has undergone upgrades to maintain competitiveness, including improvements to building systems, lobby areas, and tenant amenities.
From a location standpoint, 520 Madison Avenue benefits from immediate proximity to Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Grand Central Terminal, placing it within walking distance of major subway lines, commuter rail, and high-end retail, dining, and hospitality offerings.
For tenants, 520 Madison Avenue represents a balanced Midtown option—combining strong architectural identity, efficient layouts, and Plaza District prestige—making it particularly attractive to firms seeking brand presence, accessibility, and a recognizable address without the constraints of ultra-premium boutique towers.
Technical Specifications
Height:
Approximately 615–620 feet to the roof
Floors:
43 stories
Total Building Size:
Approximately 1,050,000 square feet (rentable office space)
Floor Plate Breakdown
Lower / Podium Floors:
• ~25,000 – 30,000 SF per floor
• Highly efficient layouts with strong leasing flexibility
• Suitable for larger team environments and multi-department users
Mid-Rise Floors:
• ~20,000 – 25,000 SF per floor
• Balanced efficiency and perimeter exposure
• Supports both open-plan and office-heavy layouts
Upper Floors:
• ~10,000 – 15,000 SF per floor
• Smaller, more boutique plates
• Increased corner offices and light due to building setbacks
Structural + Facade System
• Steel frame construction
• Faceted / chamfered glass curtain wall façade
• Angular geometry increases corner exposures and light penetration
• Structural design accommodates setbacks at upper levels
Core & Layout Efficiency
• Central core configuration (elevators, restrooms, mechanical)
• Maximized usable perimeter space
• Efficient rectangular-to-irregular hybrid plates due to façade geometry
Ceiling Heights
• Office floors: typically ~9’–10’ finished ceilings
• Slab-to-slab: estimated ~12’–13’
• Ground floor / retail: higher clear heights (~14’+)
Elevators & Vertical Transport
• Multiple passenger elevator banks (zoned by floor range)
• Designed for mid-to-high density office occupancy
• Dedicated freight/service elevators
Mechanical & Infrastructure
• Centralized HVAC plant with distributed systems
• Upgraded building systems supporting modern Class A tenants
• Designed for standard corporate density loads (not ultra-high trading density)
Building Footprint & Base
• Located on Madison Avenue between East 53rd & 54th Streets
• Includes a privately owned public plaza (POPS) at base
• Retail frontage integrated into ground level
• Multiple points of entry and service access
Key Takeaway for Tenants
520 Madison Avenue is technically defined by:
• ~615 ft height | 43 floors
• ~1.05M SF total size
• 25K SF lower plates → ~10K SF upper plates
• Angular façade increasing light + corner offices
It delivers a mid-to-large scale Class A platform with strong identity, balancing efficiency, light exposure, and Plaza District positioning without the constraints of ultra-tight boutique towers.