Henry Latham Doherty's Cities Service Company, the first tenant, commissioned the tower. The article credits Clinton & Russell, Holton & George, with Thomas J. George likely the most involved. Construction began in May 1930, took about 24 months, and the building was dedicated on May 13, 1932. Original plans called for 63 stories.
It has 67 stories and rises 952 feet (290 m) to the spire tip, though one passage says 950. The facade uses Indiana limestone on the lower stories, a Minnesota granite water table, red and black gneiss at ground level and four shades of buff brick above, with extensive aluminum ornament.
An observation deck opened on the 66th floor in July 1932 and closed permanently before 1975. Rose Associates and DTH Capital converted the building to 612 apartments in 2015 and 2016, and a hotel followed in 2020. New York City designated it a landmark on June 21, 2011.
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