Midtown South in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
HSBC
Formerly the Knox Building
| | Designated Landmark New York City | |
Photographed by Larry Gertner, 2015
1. HSBC Marker
Built in 1901-2, this is one of the finest Beaux Arts commercial buildings in New York City. It is distinguished by its limestone rustication and two-storied mansard roof. It was designed by John H. Duncan as headquarters for the Knox Hat Company. In 1964-65 the firm of Kahn & Jacobs converted the hat store space into banking facilities.
Erected 1989 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 40° 45.135′ N, 73° 58.929′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Midtown South. It is at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 40th Street, on the right when traveling east on Fifth Avenue. The marker is on the 40th Street side of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 452 Fifth Ave, New York NY 10018, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Wendel Home (within shouting distance of this marker); New York Public Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Engineers Club (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Bryant Park (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Welcome to Bryant Park (about 500 feet away); American-Standard Building (about 500 feet away); Buildings Overlooking Bryant Park (about 500 feet away); Bryant Park Today (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Reservoir Square (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . The 1902 Knox Hat Buildling - 452 Fifth Avenue. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 10, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, 2015
2. HSBC, formerly the Knox Hat Building
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on April 30, 2026, by Jack DePalma of Brooklyn,NY, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?
