Architect Richard Roth Jr. Designed Blockbuster 345 Park Ave Building

The 50-story office tower was a challenging project squeezed between two iconic NYC landmarks

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Architect Richard Roth Jr. of Emery Roth & Sons designed the massive 345 Park Avenue office building in New York City, which takes up an entire city block and is large enough to have its own zip code. The building, completed in 1969, was commissioned by the Rudin real estate dynasty and had to be carefully designed to complement its high-profile neighbors, the Seagram Building and St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church. Roth faced design challenges in creating a building that would not overwhelm the surrounding landmarks, leading to compromises on elements like the building's color and lobby height.

Why it matters

The 345 Park Avenue project highlighted Roth's skill in navigating complex design constraints to create a building that could stand on its own while respecting the architectural significance of its neighbors. The project also showcased the unique organizational structure of Roth's firm, Emery Roth & Sons, which allowed them to efficiently collaborate with other architects on major projects like the World Trade Center and Citicorp Center.

The details

Roth was tasked with designing the largest office building allowed on the site, which had previously housed the Ambassador Hotel. He wanted to create a building that would not overpower the nearby Seagram Building and St. Bartholomew's Church, leading to compromises on elements like the building's color and lobby height. While Roth preferred a taller lobby to relate to the Seagram Building, the Rudin family insisted on a lower 15-foot lobby. Roth also lost the battle to make the building's color lighter, with the Rudins opting for a darker hue. However, Roth was able to incorporate design elements from an existing bank building he had designed to create a tower that, in his words, "doesn't hit you in the face."

  • The Ambassador Hotel was demolished in 1966, clearing the site for the 345 Park Avenue project.
  • Construction on 345 Park Avenue was completed in 1969.

The players

Richard Roth Jr.

An architect at Emery Roth & Sons who designed the 345 Park Avenue building.

Rudin Management

The real estate development company that commissioned Roth to design the 345 Park Avenue building.

Mies Van der Rohe

The architect who designed the nearby Seagram Building, one of the landmarks Roth had to consider in his design.

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

The historic church located near 345 Park Avenue that Roth had to ensure his design would not overwhelm.

Hugh Stubbins

The architect who designed the Citicorp Center, another major New York skyscraper project that Emery Roth & Sons worked on as associate architects.

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What they’re saying

“I said to the Rudins, you know this is a site that deserves something that is not going to look like an elephant between two magnificent buildings. And to tell you the truth, it's the roughest design problem I've ever had.”

— Richard Roth Jr., Architect (untappedcities.com)

“The color kind of got me, and I said we don't want to put another black building on Park Avenue. I said the building should be light in color, which will make it disappear a little bit more. Though it's difficult to make a 50-story building disappear...”

— Richard Roth Jr., Architect (untappedcities.com)

“I would have rather had a smaller building. But in trying to complement the buildings on either side while giving the clients what they wanted, I don't think I could have created anything better.”

— Richard Roth Jr., Architect (untappedcities.com)

What’s next

The article does not mention any clear future newsworthy moments related to this story.

The takeaway

Richard Roth Jr.'s design of the 345 Park Avenue building showcased his ability to navigate complex design constraints and collaborate with other architects, even when facing compromises from clients. The project highlights the challenges of creating a large-scale building that respects the architectural significance of its surroundings.