American International Building, New York

The American International Building, 70 Pine Street (also known as Cities Service Building), is a landmarked Art Deco building. It was constructed from 1930 to 1932 and served as the headquarters for the Cities Services Company in New York City. Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, this 67-story, 952-foot (290 m) skyscraper was the third tallest building in the world when completed.

The American International Group (AIG) bought the building in 1976, and it was acquired by another firm in 2009 after AIG went into bankruptcy. Today, it was transformed into a residential building with classic elegance and modern convenience.

Looking east from the American International Building, its 67th-floor observation deck and the East River in the background. The spire of Forty Wall Street Tower is on the right. Vintage photo by Wurts Bros. Source: New York Public Library.

East River, the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges with the American International Building is in the foreground, 21st century. Photo by David Valdez; HUD Staff, between 2002 and 2010. Source: General Records of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Aerial view of Lower Manhattan by Wurts Bros. 1932. The American International Building is in the center (Curtiss-Wright Flying Service, Inc. / MCNY).

Tower of the American International Building (World Telegram & Sun photo by Walter Albertin / Library of Congress).

The American International Building published by New York World-Telegram & Sun, May 28 1932.

Published caption: The Downtown League has awarded the 67-story 60 Wall Tower of the Henry L. Doherty & Co. - Cities Service interests, shown here, first prize as the best downtown structure erected in 1931-1932. James Stewart & Co. builder, and Clinton & Russell, Holton & George, architects. Source: New York Public Library.