The General Motors Building, universally known by its prestigious address, 767 Fifth Avenue, is not just a Manhattan skyscraper; it is a monument to New York City's financial and architectural dominance. Standing proudly at Grand Army Plaza, this 50-story tower is consistently ranked among the world's most valuable office properties, commanding some of the absolute highest rents in NYC. As of , the building remains a focal point of major real estate news, with its ownership actively pursuing significant, high-profile renovations and financial maneuvers that underscore its status as a "Trophy Class A" asset.
This iconic structure, instantly recognizable by its dazzling white marble cladding and the legendary Apple Store glass cube at its base, continues to evolve. Recent activities, including a massive refinancing deal and plans for a major public plaza redesign, prove that even the crown jewels of the Manhattan skyline are constantly being updated to maintain their elite standing in the competitive Plaza District.
The General Motors Building: A Profile in Power and Prestige
767 Fifth Avenue is a cornerstone of the Midtown Manhattan landscape, representing the pinnacle of corporate real estate. Its history is as compelling as its modern-day financial influence.
- Official Name: The General Motors Building (GM Building)
- Address: 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10153
- Location: Occupies a full city block between 58th and 59th Streets, at Grand Army Plaza, on the southeast corner of Central Park.
- Building Type: Office, Retail (Trophy Class A Skyscraper)
- Height: 705 feet (215 meters)
- Stories: 50
- Architectural Style: International Style
- Architects: Edward Durell Stone & Associates and Emery Roth & Sons
- Completed: 1968
- Original Developer: Erwin S. Wolfson
- Current Owner/Operator: BXP (Boston Properties)
- Assessed Value (2022/23): Over $1.66 billion
1. BXP’s Ambitious Public Plaza Redesign Proposal (The Fresh Update)
The most current and significant development regarding 767 Fifth Avenue is the owner's plan to dramatically overhaul its public plaza. BXP (Boston Properties), which owns the building, has filed a rezoning application to execute a major makeover of the exterior space that fronts Fifth Avenue and houses the famous Apple Store cube.
The proposal centers on a key change: replacing the existing water features. The current plaza, while a popular gathering spot, features water elements that are often cordoned off by trees, limiting public interaction. BXP's conceptual plans, which were presented in late 2024 and early 2025, aim to modernize the space and enhance the pedestrian experience. This renovation is a clear strategy to maintain the building's competitive edge and appeal to high-end tenants by improving the surrounding environment of the Plaza District.
The plaza redesign is more than cosmetic; it is a strategic move to future-proof the property. By creating a more open, inviting, and modern public space, BXP is reinforcing 767 Fifth Avenue's position as a premier, high-traffic destination at the gateway to Central Park. This effort ensures the GM Building remains a vibrant hub for both business and retail.
2. The $1.6 Billion Refinancing and Financial Clout
In a powerful display of the building's enduring financial strength, BXP completed a massive refinancing deal for 767 Fifth Avenue. This transaction, totaling approximately $1.6 billion, was finalized relatively recently and involved a consortium of lenders.
This substantial refinancing is a testament to the building's "Trophy Class A" status. Despite fluctuations in the commercial real estate market, the GM Building continues to attract major investment due to its unparalleled location and prestige. It consistently commands some of the highest office rents in New York City, often exceeding $100 per square foot, placing it in the elite category alongside other super-prime towers like 1 Vanderbilt Avenue. This financial stability ensures the building’s continued dominance in the Midtown Manhattan office market for years to come.
3. The Ever-Evolving Roster of Elite Tenants
The tenant roster at 767 Fifth Avenue reads like a who's who of global finance, luxury retail, and high-profile corporations. The building's prestige attracts firms willing to pay a premium for the coveted Fifth Avenue address and the amenities of a world-class building.
The most famous retail tenant is, of course, Apple Fifth Avenue. Its entrance, the iconic 32-foot glass cube, is a global architectural landmark. Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in collaboration with Steve Jobs, the cube serves as the gateway to the 20,000-square-foot underground flagship store, restoring the plaza to its intended prominence as a gathering place.
Beyond Apple, the building houses numerous other high-profile entities, including:
- Wells Fargo Private Bank
- DIOR New York Fifth Avenue (Luxury Retail)
- Patient Square Capital (Leased space recently, showcasing continued demand)
- JD.com Inc. (A major e-commerce presence)
- Lightyear Capital (Private Equity Firm)
- Aramis Inc. and Donna Karan Cosmetics Co. (Beauty and Fragrance)
The diversity of these tenants, from high finance to luxury goods and tech, highlights the building's universal appeal as a premier corporate address.
4. The International Style and White Marble Cladding Legacy
Architecturally, 767 Fifth Avenue is a prime example of the International Style, a movement characterized by a focus on volume over mass, the use of industrial materials, and a rejection of ornamentation. The building’s striking white marble facade, designed by Edward Durell Stone and Emery Roth & Sons, makes it stand out against the darker glass and steel structures of Midtown.
The use of white marble was a deliberate choice to create a sense of elegance and scale. The sheer, towering volume of the structure, combined with its bright cladding, gives the GM Building a distinctive, almost ethereal presence, especially when viewed from Central Park. This bold, monumental design choice has cemented its status as an architectural icon, a pillar of mid-century modern design that continues to influence the New York skyline.
5. The Strategic Importance of Grand Army Plaza
The location of 767 Fifth Avenue at Grand Army Plaza is perhaps its most significant, and least discussed, asset. This plaza is the formal entrance to Central Park at its southeast corner, making the GM Building the first major commercial structure seen by millions of visitors and commuters entering Fifth Avenue from the north.
The building's full-block footprint is a rarity in Manhattan, providing unparalleled light, air, and visibility for its tenants. The combination of its proximity to luxury retail (Fifth Avenue is a global shopping destination), cultural landmarks (Central Park), and major transit hubs solidifies its value. This strategic position in the Plaza District ensures that any business housed within 767 Fifth Avenue benefits from the highest degree of corporate visibility and prestige available in the world.
