8. The Helmsley Building Has Had Many Names

230 Park Avenue was originally called The New York Central Building, after the railroad which had its headquarters inside. In 1968, the building was sold to General Tire and Rubber and renamed The New York General Building. General Tire and Rubber Company then sold the building to Helmsley-Spear in 1977. Harry and Leona Helmsley renamed the building, designated a landmark in 1987, “The Helmsley Building.” When the building changed hands in 1998, the new owner agreed to retain the name as a condition of sale.