421-423 Seventh Ave
1926-27, William Van Alen

In 1925, Childs' Restaurant commissioned architect William Van Alen to design this 14-story commercial and office building. The company was established in 1889 as one of the first national dining chains in the US, expanding to real estate development during their peak years.The use of a steel-frame structure allowed for as much glass as masonry on the upper floors. It features an L-shaped layout and very little ornamentation. The first four floors are clad in marble, with brass Art Deco details framing the main entrance. In 1980, a large screen was installed on the west and south facades, partially obstructing the view of the third to eighth floors. Van Allen had previously designed a building on Fifth Avenue for Childs', which featured curved glass corner windows without a corner post, an innovation that garnered him widespread praise. He attended Pratt Institute and was awarded the Paris Prize scholarship in 1908. Upon his return, Van Allen and H. Craig Severance established a very successful firm, known for their multistory commercial structures. The partnership ended in 1924, with each architect continuing to practice independently.