Explore the architectural gems of East Manhattan with Build Tours, where New York’s history and innovation come alive through iconic buildings and compelling stories. This tour takes you through some of the most legendary sites in the city, from the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and the classic Art Deco elegance of the Waldorf Astoria to the cutting-edge design of One Vanderbilt. Discover the soaring Art Deco style of the Chrysler Building, the pioneering green architecture of the Ford Foundation, and the international modernist vision of the United Nations complex. As you walk through each landmark, you’ll uncover the architectural styles, influential architects, and historical events that have shaped East Manhattan into a world-renowned urban landscape. Join us to experience the fusion of art, history, and architecture that defines New York City’s eastern heart.
Landmarks featured on this tour include:
- Grand Central Terminal – A Beaux-Arts masterpiece by Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore (1913).
- One Vanderbilt – A striking modern skyscraper by Kohn Pedersen Fox (2016-2020).
- Chrysler Building – William van Alen’s Art Deco jewel (1930).
- MetLife Building – A symbol of mid-century modernism by The Architects Collaborative (1962).
- Helmsley Building – A standout of 1920s New York by Warren and Wetmore (1929).
- Waldorf Astoria – A luxurious Art Deco icon by Schultze and Weaver (1931).
- Ford Foundation – A groundbreaking example of sustainable architecture by Roche Dinkeloo (1967).
- St. Bartholomew’s Church – A historic church blending Romanesque and Byzantine styles, designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue (1919).
- Tudor City – One of the world’s first residential skyscraper complexes by Fred French & Co. (1928).
- United Nations Complex – A hallmark of international modernism by Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier (1948).
