Amazon’s Hank: A Modern Tech Hub Woven into History
It’s officially two-thousand-and-twenty-four, and the NYC skyline is, shall we say, *~thriving~*~. Case in point: the iconic former Lord & Taylor building in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This architectural gem, once a temple of high-end fashion, has been reborn as Amazon’s newest office—a shining example of what happens when innovative design meets historical preservation.
A Landmark Reborn
This wasn’t your average makeover, folks. We’re talking a meticulous, multi-year renovation of a building that was officially declared a landmark back in two-thousand-and-seven. Amazon didn’t just slap on a fresh coat of paint and call it a day. Nope, they went all-in, preserving and integrating many of the original architectural features. Talk about honoring the legacy of one of America’s first department stores!
And the name? Oh, the name! “Hank” isn’t just a random dude Amazon found on LinkedIn. It’s a nod—a stylish one, at that—to the building’s past life in the textile industry. You see, “hank” is a unit of measurement for yarn. Pretty clever, right?
A Fusion of Past and Present
Imagine walking into a place where history winks at you from every corner, but like, in a cool way. That’s Hank for you. The moment you step inside, you’re met with this totally captivating blend of old and new. Think fashion-inspired art that pops against original nineteen-fourteen structures. Cutting-edge technology humming alongside architectural details that have witnessed over a century of New York City’s hustle and bustle. And let’s not forget the over two-thousand employees who bring their energy to this incredible space every single day.
Oh, and for those who can’t resist a good TikTok binge (no judgment here!), there’s a dedicated series on the WorkLife account that gives you an immersive virtual tour. You basically get to be a fly on the wall, or should we say, a thread on the… you get the idea.
Amazon’s Hank: A Modern Tech Hub Woven into History
It’s officially two-thousand-and-twenty-four, and the NYC skyline is, shall we say, *~thriving~*~. Case in point: the iconic former Lord & Taylor building in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This architectural gem, once a temple of high-end fashion, has been reborn as Amazon’s newest office—a shining example of what happens when innovative design meets historical preservation.
A Landmark Reborn
This wasn’t your average makeover, folks. We’re talking a meticulous, multi-year renovation of a building that was officially declared a landmark back in two-thousand-and-seven. Amazon didn’t just slap on a fresh coat of paint and call it a day. Nope, they went all-in, preserving and integrating many of the original architectural features. Talk about honoring the legacy of one of America’s first department stores!
And the name? Oh, the name! “Hank” isn’t just a random dude Amazon found on LinkedIn. It’s a nod—a stylish one, at that—to the building’s past life in the textile industry. You see, “hank” is a unit of measurement for yarn. Pretty clever, right?
A Fusion of Past and Present
Imagine walking into a place where history winks at you from every corner, but like, in a cool way. That’s Hank for you. The moment you step inside, you’re met with this totally captivating blend of old and new. Think fashion-inspired art that pops against original nineteen-fourteen structures. Cutting-edge technology humming alongside architectural details that have witnessed over a century of New York City’s hustle and bustle. And let’s not forget the over two-thousand employees who bring their energy to this incredible space every single day.
Oh, and for those who can’t resist a good TikTok binge (no judgment here!), there’s a dedicated series on the WorkLife account that gives you an immersive virtual tour. You basically get to be a fly on the wall, or should we say, a thread on the… you get the idea.
Welcoming Guests and Fostering Innovation
Accessibility is key, and Hank nails it. Whether you’re strolling down famed 5th Avenue or hopping off the train, getting there is a breeze. The building has entrances on both 38th and 39th Streets, welcoming you with open arms (well, not literally, those are revolving doors). And get this, the street level isn’t just for fancy Amazonians. It houses a fifteen-hundred-square-foot CUNY classroom because knowledge is power, people. Oh, and there’s a visitor check-in area that’s so sleek, you’ll want to “accidentally” forget your ID just to spend more time there.
But wait, there’s more! Remember those times you’re stuck in an elevator and inspiration strikes? At Hank, you can actually do something about it. Those metal boxes that whisk you up and down? They double as whiteboards! Talk about making the most of your commute. And if you’re feeling a lil’ extra (we’ve all been there), ditch the elevator and take the central staircase that connects nine floors. Who knows, you might even burn off that extra donut you snagged from the breakroom.
Amazon Web Services: A Hub Within a Hub
Now, let’s talk tech, baby! The second floor is where the magic happens, specifically the magic of Amazon Web Services (AWS). It’s like a whole other world up there, and rumour has it, some employees don’t even know it exists (shhh, our little secret). This is where the big dogs play—we’re talking about the executive briefing center (EBC). But don’t think you can just waltz in there. To reach this inner sanctum, clients have to pass through a showroom that’s straight-up mesmerizing.
Picture this: eight-thousand square feet of pure innovation. We’re talking interactive displays that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into the future, VR experiences that’ll blow your mind, and even Spot, the robot dog that’s taken the internet by storm. It’s like a tech playground for grown-ups, and honestly, we’re here for it.
Thematic Floors Inspired by Textile Heritage
Remember how we talked about honoring the past? Well, Amazon took it to a whole new level. Each of the nine office floors has its own unique vibe, inspired by—you guessed it—textiles and garment industry tools. Think weaving looms, sewing machines, and all sorts of cool stuff your grandma probably used back in the day (no shade, grandma!). This thematic approach isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a constant reminder of the building’s rich history and gives each floor its own distinct personality. You know what they say, variety is the spice of life!
