Goldman HQ an “understated palazzo”

While pre-recession financial institutions were wont to celebrate their headquarters, the recent unveiling of Goldman Sachs’ new main office at 200 West Street reflects a distinctly different approach, according to New Yorker columnist Paul Goldberger. The 43-story building contains no images of Goldman’s name, including signs or even insignias on the security staff’s lapels, a stark contrast to the days of headquarters bearing names like One Chase Manhattan Plaza. The building, while grand in stature, trends toward modesty according to Goldberger, which refers to the office as a paradox and “an understated palazzo.” [New Yorker]