805 Public Atrium

In the vibrant and often frenetic energy of New York City, finding a quiet respite or a comfortable spot to gather can feel like a rare luxury. Thankfully, New Yorkers have access to a network of privately owned public spaces (POPS) that offer just that – and the 805 Public Atrium, often referred to as the Crystal Pavilion, is a prime example. Located right in the heart of Midtown East, this impressive indoor atrium provides a much-needed urban oasis, a place where you can take a break, meet friends, or simply enjoy a moment of peace amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

More than just a lobby, the 805 Public Atrium is a thoughtfully designed multi-level space intended for public use. It’s part of the iconic 805 3rd Avenue building, a distinguished address in the Plaza District. While its grand architecture and scale might initially suggest a private corporate environment, it is, in fact, a welcoming public space, designed to enhance the urban experience for everyone. For locals navigating their daily routines or visitors exploring the city, this atrium offers a unique blend of convenience, comfort, and quietude that’s often hard to come by in Midtown.

The concept of a "park" might typically conjure images of sprawling green lawns and outdoor playgrounds, but in a dense urban environment like New York, indoor public spaces like the 805 Public Atrium serve a similar, crucial function. They provide accessible areas for relaxation, informal gatherings, and a chance to escape the elements, whether it's the summer heat or the winter chill. The Crystal Pavilion, as it's known to many, stands as a testament to intelligent urban planning, offering a valuable amenity that enriches the lives of New Yorkers.

The 805 Public Atrium is perfectly situated at the Atrium Level of 805 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA. This highly accessible location in Midtown East makes it incredibly convenient for anyone in the New York metropolitan area. You can find its entrance on the east side of Third Avenue, positioned between East 49th and 50th Streets, or via an entrance on the south side of East 50th Street, approximately 150 feet east of Third Avenue.

Its prime position ensures excellent connectivity through various public transportation options, which is a major benefit for New Yorkers. For subway riders, the 4, 5, 6, E, and M lines all have stations within a very short walking distance, making it easily reachable from virtually any part of Manhattan, as well as Queens and Brooklyn. The nearby Grand Central Terminal also provides access to the Metro-North Railroad, extending its accessibility to commuters from Westchester and Connecticut. Numerous bus lines also service the surrounding blocks, offering additional convenience.

The atrium itself is designed with accessibility in mind. It features a three-level covered pedestrian space, which can be accessed via escalators, a freestanding elevator, and stairs. The concourse level, which is the most expansive and amenity-rich, is easily reached, ensuring that visitors with mobility needs can comfortably enjoy the space. This commitment to accessibility makes the 805 Public Atrium a truly inclusive public amenity for all New Yorkers.

While not a traditional service provider in the sense of a business, the 805 Public Atrium offers a range of amenities that serve the public, enhancing their experience within this urban retreat.

• Ample Seating and Tables: The concourse level, in particular, is organized into several "neighborhoods" featuring movable tables and chairs, providing abundant seating options for individuals or groups. This makes it an ideal spot for lunch breaks, informal meetings, or simply resting.

• Cafés and Dining Options: Several cafés are located along the southern edge of the concourse level, offering convenient access to food and beverages. This allows visitors to enjoy a meal or a coffee within the comfortable environment of the atrium. Recent renovations have added onsite dining at places like The Chick Shop, Hokey Poke, and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ.

• Restrooms: Public restrooms are conveniently located at the northeast portion of the concourse level, a vital amenity for any public space in a bustling city.

• Climate Control: The atrium is a climate-controlled environment, offering air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather outside.

• Water Features and Greenery: The space incorporates a waterfall and a meandering river-like pool, contributing to a tranquil ambiance. Planters with palm fronds and other greenery add a touch of nature to the urban interior.

• Art Installations: A notable feature is Christian Eckhart's 5,000-pound aluminum steel sculpture suspended above a grand piano, setting an artistic tone for the space.

• Retail Frontage: The atrium features retail frontage, including businesses like Madison Jewelers, Bona Vinos, and Alterations Dot Com Tailor Shop, providing additional convenience.

• Multi-Level Design: The atrium boasts three distinct levels – street, concourse (lower), and mezzanine (second) – offering varied perspectives and functional areas.

• Architectural Grandeur: Designed by Emery Roth & Sons and completed in 1982, the atrium features gleaming, massive metal pillars, polished granite walls, and a combination of stainless steel, glass, and granite finishes, reflecting a classic 1980s glass tower aesthetic.

• Natural Light: When shafts of sunlight penetrate the glass wall and ceiling on the eastern side, the interior truly comes alive, creating a bright and airy feel, especially on the mezzanine level.

• Strategic Layout: The concourse level is thoughtfully organized into "neighborhoods" of movable tables and chairs, encouraging utilization during peak lunch hours.

• Tranquil Water Features: The presence of waterfalls and a river-like pool, although sometimes non-operational, contributes to a calming atmosphere within the bustling building.

• Modern Renovations: Recent renovations in 2019 revamped the lobby, common areas, and corridors, maintaining the space's modern appeal and comfort.

As a privately owned public space (POPS) and not a commercial establishment offering specific services for sale, the 805 Public Atrium does not typically run "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Its primary "offer" is its very existence as a free, accessible, and comfortable public amenity in a high-density urban area. The benefits it provides – a place to sit, eat, relax, and escape the elements – are inherently available to all members of the public during its operating hours without any cost. Any "promotions" would likely come from the individual cafes or retail outlets within the atrium, rather than from the atrium itself. Therefore, New Yorkers are encouraged to simply enjoy the space as a valuable public resource whenever they are in the Midtown East area.

For inquiries related to the management of the 805 Public Atrium, or the Crystal Pavilion building, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: Atrium Level, 805 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

• Phone: (212) 838-1800

• Mobile Phone: +1 212-838-1800

The managing agent for the building is Cohen Brothers Real Estate Development Corporation. Please note that these contacts are for building management and general inquiries, not for specific events or programming, as the atrium primarily functions as a general public space.

For New Yorkers, the 805 Public Atrium, or Crystal Pavilion, is more than just a passage through a building; it's a vital component of the city's urban fabric. In a concrete jungle where open space is at a premium, this indoor "park" offers a much-needed sanctuary. Locals can utilize it as a convenient and comfortable spot for a variety of everyday needs: a peaceful place to enjoy a lunch break away from the office, a climate-controlled area to escape the city's often extreme weather, or an informal meeting point with friends or colleagues.

Its strategic Midtown East location, coupled with excellent public transportation access, means it's effortlessly integrated into the daily lives of countless commuters and residents. The availability of amenities like seating, restrooms, and dining options within an aesthetically pleasing and accessible environment makes it a superior alternative to crowded sidewalks or bustling coffee shops when you need a moment to pause. The 805 Public Atrium enriches the urban experience for New Yorkers by providing a reliable, free, and comfortable public amenity, making the city’s high-energy environment just a little more livable and enjoyable. It stands as a prime example of how privately owned public spaces contribute significantly to the quality of life in New York City.

805 Public Atrium

Atrium Level, 805 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA