For such a shadowy, gray part of New York City, the Garment District has lots of lovely architectural ornaments—especially of animals.
One example: these terra cotta peacocks, which sit above the freight elevator entrance at 135 West 36th Street.
They’re part of the Fashion Tower, a 17-story neo-Gothic structure just west of Sixth Avenue designed by Emery Roth in 1922.
Why peacocks, a bird that symbolizes immortality and renewal?
“Peacocks are a traditional symbol of women’s fashion, often appearing as ornament on women’s fashion boutiques,” the terrific site skyscraper.com tells us.
The Fashion Tower has more decorative elements worth a look.
The sixth floor facade features friezes of a woman looking in the mirror and another holding a spindle.
They’re homages to the industry that gave the neighborhood its name.
Tags: animals on New York City buildings, Emery Roth architect, Fashion Tower, Garment District Buildings, Garment District street, midtown street, peacocks on Fashion Tower, West 36th Street
July 18, 2013 at 3:22 pm |
I spotted these peacocks several years ago and painted them. Wonderful terracotta details. http://sjfnewyork.blogspot.com/2011/02/fine-feathers-in-garment-district.html