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United Office Building
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United Office Building, June 2009
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| Location: | 220 Rainbow Blvd., Niagara Falls, New York |
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| Built: | 1929 |
| Architect: | Johnson, James A.; Amsterdam Building Co. |
| Architectural style: | Art Deco |
| Governing body: | Local |
| NRHP Reference#: |
05001537 [1] |
| Added to NRHP: | January 18, 2006 |
United Office Building is an art deco skyscraper located in Niagara Falls, New York at 220 Rainbow Boulevard.
Designed by architect James A. Johnson. Completed in 1929 on the eve of the Great Depression, the building is one of the most important landmarks in downtown Niagara Falls. Constructed of steel and brick with a terra cotta facade, the building's art deco elements of sculpture and pressed terra cotta brick are in a Mayan style.[2]
At 20 stories, it was the tallest building in Niagara Falls until 2005 when it was surpassed in height by the nearby Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel. Given the structure's height, the top floors offer spectacular views of the American and Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls.
The building was abandoned in the 1980s and was purchased in 2004 by the USA Niagara Development Corporation for one dollar. Carl Paladino's Ellicott Development Company has undertaken extensive renovations of the building. The building now contains 27 upscale apartments, some office space, and a 38-room luxury boutique hotel, The Giacomo (opening Dec. 2009).
Given the building's historical and architectural importance, the building was nominated in 2005 for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.[1]