Photo Credit: Roving Rube. Viewpoint: 55th St. approaching 5th Avenue; 3/10/02 1:57 PM.
Notes (Roving Rube): The Rube was taking a photo of the Trump Tower (black sawtooth at lower left) when he happened to notice the upper stories of the tower across from it appeared to have some bands of "rustication" -- where the stone is intentionally left rough.
After looking at the picture back home, he became smitten with the building -- 712 Fifth Avenue -- and went back for more photos.
shows how the older townhouse act as part of its nominal base.
The is of a square of rusticated marble over the building's entrance (which is on 55th St, not 5th Avenue; buildings in New York often negotiate with the city to get the more prestigious Avenue address however they can).
shows the marble used in the facade, also an usual feature for contemporary skyscrapers.
Carter B. Horsley, in his online architectural survey, The Midtown Book, says:
"This tower is one of the most interesting facades in the city with its strong decorative patterns, large square windows, occasional rustication and truncated banding. It is a forceful, imaginative attempt to boldly rework the traditional office tower facade. Its six-story crown, for example, is slightly indented at its four corners and it is marked by a different facade pattern. While the tower is very well proportioned and light in its contrasting gray-and-white facades, the overall effect is neat and rather dashing, but not quite comfortable: it stands out like the first club member to wear a new, well-tailored, wide-labeled, boldly patterned jacket. Unlike Nehru jackets, this tower will stand the test of time well even if it does make it into the fashionable skyscraper hall of fame."