Press Release

For Immediate Release: May 6, 2025
Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 212-669-7938

LPC Designates Manhattan's Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex as an Interior Landmark

Daring and Experimental Two-Story Residence Is the Only Publicly Accessible Interior Designed by Renowned Modern Architect Paul Rudolph in New York City

Duplex Occupies the Third and Fourth Floors of the Modulightor Building, Which Was Designated as an Individual Landmark in 2023

 

 

New York – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) voted unanimously to designate the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex as an interior landmark. An important late work by renowned modern architect Paul Rudolph, this unique residential duplex occupies the third and fourth floors of the Modulightor Building, located at 246 East 58th Street in Manhattan, which was also designed by Rudolph and was designated as a New York City individual landmark in 2023. The designation of the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex means that both this significant interior space and the building's exterior are protected under the Landmarks Law.

The stunning, multi-layered interior space is an important late work by Rudolph, one of the 20th century's most innovative architects and a gifted designer of late 20th century interiors. The duplex was built between 1993 and 1994 as twin rental apartments within the Modulightor Building, which takes its name from the architectural lighting company Rudolph founded in 1976 with Ernst Wagner. The duplex features interlocking double-height spaces that express Rudolph's modern sculptural aesthetic utilizing off-the-shelf materials, creating an interior space unlike any other. Now occupied by the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture, which hosts regular open houses in the space, the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex is the only publicly accessible interior designed by the architect in New York City.

"The Modulightor Apartment Duplex is a remarkable example of late 20th-century interior design," said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "Its spatial complexity, innovative use of light, and carefully crafted architectural details reflect Rudolph's unique vision and enduring influence. With today's designation, we preserve a vital example of New York City's rich design heritage, and ensure this special space will continue to inspire architects, designers, and visitors alike for generations to come."

"The Modulator Building Apartment Duplex is a beautifully designed space that serves as a bastion for celebrating architectural achievement in our great city," said New York City Councilmember Keith Powers. "They host regular open houses accessible to our community to learn about its unique design, and to explore the amazing world of architecture. I am thrilled to see the approval of the landmark status for the Modulator Building Apartment Duplex in my district."

"We are thrilled to support the interior landmark designation of the Paul Rudolph designed Modulightor Building. We are enthusiastic for this designation not only for its spatially rich and light-filled Modern design but also because of the intimacy of the space and how Rudolph's hand and belongings can be found nearly at every turn," said Docomomo US Executive Director Liz Waytkus. "It is so meaningful that Modulightor, which houses the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture, continues to host open house events, encourages dialogue and offers a unique New York experience." 

Paul Rudolph was a leading figure in American architecture during the latter half of the 20th century who was known for his modern sculptural aesthetic that often relied on industrial materials like concrete and steel. Though Rudolph was well-known for his monumental mid-career Brutalist-style works, he also designed residences acclaimed for their lighter modern style and daring spatial complexity, and many of his experimental ideas and strategies are present in his late interiors, particularly the projects he built for himself, such as his New York office and residence.

Rudolph's design for the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex features a shifting open plan that incorporates two living spaces, four bathrooms and a kitchen. These fluid and interlocking spaces contain built-in furnishings, exposed joists, columns and stairs, and partial walls that double as bookshelves and display cases. Throughout his career, Rudolph was interested in how light influences the perception of architectural space – a focus evident in the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex, where all-white surfaces and custom lighting fixtures produced by the Modulightor company work in tandem to enhance and amplify the impact of light throughout the interior.

The Modulightor Building itself was designed in the late-modern style in 1989 and completed in two phases. The first four floors – which include the duplex – were mostly complete by 1993. The top two floors and roof deck were added by the architect Mark Squeo between 2010 and 2016 based on Rudolph drawings in the collection of the Library of Congress. The building features a visually striking exterior, with front and rear facades composed of intersecting and overlapping horizontal and vertical rectangles of varying projection and size, and painted steel I-beams that form jigsaw-like screens. 

Two other Manhattan buildings designed by Paul Rudolph are also designated as New York City landmarks: The Paul Rudolph Penthouse & Apartments at 23 Beekman Place, and the so-called "Halston House" at 101 East 63rd Street, which is part of the Upper East Side Historic District.

Images

Designation photos of the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex and the Modulightor Building can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/fy7mnzcrkrydbcfr4us623u2pu75t3bf

About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 38,000 buildings and sites, including 1,464 individual landmarks, 124 interior landmarks, 12 scenic landmarks, and 157 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us at www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks, www.instagram.com/nyc.landmarks/ and www.x.com/nyclandmarks.