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Brill Building Designated Landmark
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 23, 2010
Modified Mar 23, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 23, 2010
Modified Mar 23, 2010
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The Landmarks Preservation Commission has deemed the art deco Brill Building, located at 1619 Broadway, worthy of landmark designation. The 11-story tower at the corner of Broadway and 49th Street has been churning out the hits since the early 1930s, becoming familiar stomping grounds for many music industry bigwigs and still housing the office of Mr. Paul Simon.
According to the NY Post, there's even a "Brill Building Sound, named for the stream of pop hits of the late 1950s and 1960s written by an army of songwriters crammed into the building." Some fun facts: Elvis's hits "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock" were written there, and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" was recorded there. Back in the day, it served as an all-access pass to the music industry. You could write a song, shop it, and record it all without stepping outside.
The LPC's Robert Tierney said, "This legendary building is as closely linked to American music as Hollywood is to film. It's also a standout because it's one of the few art deco buildings ever constructed in Times Square."
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art deco
brill building
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LPC
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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