Claridge's, a luxurious Midtown West rental apartment building, occupies the full western blockfront on the Avenue of the Americas between 55th and 56th streets. It has a four-story limestone base; the dark brown-brick facades have several bandcourses and are topped by a delicate cornice. While the building is not excessively adorned, it's trimmed with attractive quoins and multipaned windows. Its sidestreet entrance has a large and impressive marquee.
The 15-story building, which looks like a transplant from Park Avenue or West End Avenue, boasts a prime midtown location close to many famous landmarks. It is a few blocks north of Rockefeller Center and the former CBS Building, and is on the same block as the mixed-use CitySpire and the City Center for the Performing Arts. It is just a few blocks from Central Park and Carnegie Hall. A supermarket is across the avenue, and there are outstanding restaurants nearby, plus a Rizzoli book store and the Arts Students League.
The pre-war building has 11 apartments per floor, a 24-hour doorman, a concierge, and video security. Public transportation is excellent. The building was erected in 1925 and designed by Carrere & Hastings. Its lobby was upgraded by Paul Rudolph in 1994. Thermopane windows and new elevators were installed in 2001, kitchens have GE appliances, and apartments have high ceilings and marble baths; some even have fireplaces.
