Standing proudly on the northeast corner of Riverside Drive and West 103rd Street in Manhattan, the Master Apartments is a historic 1929 Art Deco skyscraper. Designed by Harvey Wiley Corbett alongside Sugarman & Berger, this 28-story architectural icon was completed as the tallest building on Riverside Drive. When you visit this landmark in the Riverside-West End Historic District, you are looking at a pioneering piece of New York City design.
It was the first skyscraper in the city to incorporate corner windows wrapping at 90-degree angles and the first to feature a multi-colored brick facade. The gradient transitions from deep purple at the lower stories up to a light gray, weathered pinnacle, crafted to simulate a sense of dynamic growth. At ground level, inspect the unique stepped black cornerstone at the southwest corner, inscribed with the year 1929 and Nicholas Roerich's Banner of Peace symbol.
Look for double-height brick entrance portals containing transoms with blue leaded glass and metal corn-stalk motifs. Set directly across from scenic Riverside Park, this National Register of Historic Places listing offers architecture enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into groundbreaking late-1920s skyscraper innovation.
What to see at Master Apartments
- First New York City skyscraper built with 90-degree corner windows
- Gradient brick exterior transitioning from deep purple at the base to a light pinnacle
- Stepped black 1929 cornerstone featuring Nicholas Roerich's Banner of Peace symbol
- Grand brick entrance portals adorned with blue leaded glass and metal corn-stalk motifs
- Designated listing on the National Register of Historic Places
Visiting tips
Head to the building's southwest corner at street level to examine the stepped black cornerstone and its unique embedded symbols.
How long: 30-45 minutes · Best time: Daylight hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Master Apartments is easy to reach on New York metropolitan area’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Riverside Park. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New York metropolitan area travel guide.
See the full New York metropolitan area travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.