The New York Life Building at 51 Madison Avenue was designed by Cass Gilbert, with Starrett Brothers as builder, for New York Life Insurance Company. It replaced Madison Square Garden. Steel erection began in January 1926, and the building officially opened on December 12, 1928. The infobox gives Gothic Revival, and the text adds a Moderne or Art Deco massing.
It is 615 feet (187 m) high, with setbacks at seven levels and an octagonal pyramidal roof. The floor count conflicts: 34 floors, technically 40 stories, with 33 or 34 office stories. Granite forms the base and limestone the walls above. The original gold leaf roof was replaced in 1966 and 1967 with gilded ceramic tiles.
A north annex by Carson & Lundin was built from 1960 to 1962. The lobby is designed like a cathedral nave and runs 400 feet (120 m) east to west. The article's two landmark dates conflict, 1972 and 1978.
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