Candler Building

Introduction

Standing tall at 220 West 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, the Candler Building is an enduring symbol of New York City’s architectural heritage and Times Square’s dynamic history. Commissioned by Asa Griggs Candler, founder of The Coca-Cola Company, and completed in 1913, this Beaux-Arts skyscraper blends ornate Spanish Renaissance design with early skyscraper innovations. From its role as a commercial hub to its current adaptive use as a temporary migrant shelter, the Candler Building reflects the city’s continuous evolution and resilience. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of its history, architectural highlights, current use, practical visiting information, and future prospects, making it essential reading for architecture enthusiasts and New York visitors alike.

Origins and Construction

The Candler Building was conceived during the high tide of New York’s early 20th-century growth. Asa Griggs Candler commissioned the building as both an investment and a statement, aiming to attract businesses from the Southern United States to the commercial heart of Manhattan (Skyscraper Center; BDC Network). Designed by Willauer, Shape & Bready, construction began in 1912 and finished in 1913, just prior to the city’s landmark 1916 Zoning Resolution. The result was a 24-story skyscraper—one of the tallest on 42nd Street at the time—featuring a striking Spanish Renaissance façade and extensive use of white terra cotta detailing (Wikipedia).

Asa G. Candler’s Vision and Early Tenancy

Candler envisioned the building as a magnet for Southern businesses, complementing his Atlanta roots. He acquired multiple adjacent properties to ensure a prominent presence on 42nd Street and maximize commercial potential (Everything Explained). Early tenants included a variety of companies and organizations, reflecting Times Square’s rise as a commercial powerhouse.

Architectural Innovations and Fire Safety

A pioneer in skyscraper safety, the Candler Building is believed to be the first in New York City to feature a fireproof emergency staircase. Its smoke-proof fire tower, accessible via open balconies, set a new standard for high-rise safety and eliminated the need for traditional exterior fire escapes (BDC Network).

The Candler Building and Times Square’s Evolution

Completed during the transformation of Long Acre Square into the electrified, entertainment-filled Times Square, the building quickly became a local landmark. The opening of the Times Square subway station in 1904 accelerated the area’s commercial and cultural boom (Times Square Alliance; History101.nyc).

Later History, Restoration, and Landmark Status

Surviving the district’s decline and later renaissance, the Candler Building is now one of Manhattan’s last remaining white terra cotta skyscrapers. In the 1990s, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company restored its historic façade. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is eligible for New York City landmark designation (Everything Explained).

Architectural Features

The Candler Building is a textbook example of Beaux-Arts and Spanish Renaissance styles, featuring:

• Ornate Façade: Elaborate terra cotta ornamentation, including cornices, pilasters, and decorative panels.
• Tripartite Structure: The base, shaft, and capital configuration reflects classical column design.
• Fireproof Construction: Early steel-frame technology enabled both height and interior flexibility.
• Distinctive Roofline: Originally topped with a terra cotta tile roof and cupola, later restored with a "Pacific Turquoise" copper roof (IIBEC).
• Restored Lobby: The lobby retains marble finishes and decorative plasterwork, blending historic charm with modern amenities.

Current Use and Visitor Information

Temporary Migrant Shelter Operations

As of 2024–2025, the Candler Building serves as a temporary shelter for asylum seekers, part of New York City’s response to a surge in migrant arrivals (NY Post). The building’s adaptive reuse has received support from local stakeholders, recognizing the humanitarian need while maintaining Times Square’s vibrant atmosphere.

Visiting Hours and Access

• Interior Access: Public access to the building’s interior is currently restricted due to its use as a migrant shelter. No tickets or interior tours are available at this time.
• Exterior Viewing: Visitors can admire and photograph the building’s ornate façade from 42nd Street at any time—no admission or tickets are required.
• Future Access: Once the building transitions to its planned hotel use, public access to restored interiors, including the grand lobby and event spaces, is expected. Details will be announced as redevelopment progresses.

Accessibility

The building’s surroundings and Times Square’s public infrastructure are wheelchair accessible. The future hotel conversion will ensure ADA-compliant entrances, elevators, and facilities (NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission).

Photography and Nearby Attractions

• Photography Tips: Early mornings or evenings offer the best lighting and fewer crowds for capturing the building’s details.
• Nearby Attractions: The Candler Building is steps from Broadway theaters, the New Victory Theater, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library (Guide.in.ua; Times Square Alliance).

Future Prospects

Planned Hotel Conversion

The Candler Building is slated for transformation into a hotel, leveraging Times Square’s robust hospitality sector. Although the timeline and specific hotel brand have yet to be announced, planning may begin in late 2025, with a potential opening in the late 2020s (NY Post; NYC.gov).

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Landmark protections ensure the preservation of the building’s iconic terra cotta façade and interior features. The upcoming redevelopment will balance heritage conservation with modern hospitality needs, in line with New York’s broader Midtown redevelopment strategies (NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission).

Visitor Tips

• Plan Ahead: Check official resources for updates on access, especially as redevelopment progresses.
• Explore Nearby: Take advantage of the building’s prime location by visiting nearby historical and cultural sites.
• Photography: For the best shots, visit during times with ideal natural lighting and lighter crowds.
• Safety: Remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas, and be mindful of pedestrian and bike traffic on 42nd Street.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tour the inside of the Candler Building?
A: Interior access is currently restricted due to its use as a migrant shelter. Guided tours may be offered after hotel redevelopment.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The building’s exterior can be admired 24/7; interior access is not available at this time.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, viewing or photographing the building’s exterior is free.

Q: Is the Candler Building accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the sidewalk and surrounding public spaces are wheelchair accessible. Future hotel conversion will ensure full ADA compliance.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: The Candler Building is near Broadway theaters, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library.