Union Square in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Germania Life Insurance Company Building

New York City Designated Landmark

Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 2, 2016

1. The Germania Life Insurance Company Building Marker

Inscription.
The Germania Life Insurance Company Building was erected in 1910-1911. This twenty-story office tower was designed by the architectural firm of D’Oench & Yost in the Modern French mode, with a monumental mansard roof reminiscent of the Second Empire style. On the roof is one of the earliest examples of monumental neon signage. The building served as the third national headquarter for Germania Life which was founded by German immigrants in 1860 to serve the growing German-American population in New York City. In 1917, Germania Life changed its name to the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. In 2000, The Germania Life Building was renovated as a hotel by the Related Companies, L.P.
New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation
2001

Erected 2001 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 40° 44.203′ N, 73° 59.322′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Union Square. It is on Park Avenue South near East 17th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 213 Park Ave S, New York NY 10003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker: Armenian Grove Plaque (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Irving (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Abraham Lincoln Statue (about 400 feet away); O. Henry (about 400 feet away); 105 East 19th Street (about 500 feet away); Independence Flagstaff (about 500 feet away); Lafayette (about 500 feet away); Pete’s Tavern (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Other markers no longer nearby. Max’s Kansas City, 1965-1974 (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Abraham Lincoln Statue (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding The Germania Life Insurance Company Building. The building is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".

Also see . . . The 1910 Germania (Guardian) Life Insurance Building -- 201 Park Avenue So. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on May 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

The Germania Life Insurance Company Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, October 1, 2019

2. The Germania Life Insurance Company Building

As the W Union Square Hotel.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, 1998

3. The Germania Life Insurance Company Building

The final days as Guardian Life headquarters.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, 1999

4. The Germania Life Insurance Company Building

The sign disappears as the conversion continues.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 807 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 11, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.