12 July

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held for Palazzo d’Italia, an Italian themed commercial building planned as part of Rockefeller Center’s International Complex on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The ceremony marked an important stage in the expansion of one of the twentieth century’s most influential privately developed commercial real estate projects.

Palazzo d’Italia was conceived as a centre for Italian commercial, cultural, tourism and business interests. Its development reflected Rockefeller Center’s broader strategy of combining office buildings, shops, public spaces, art and international representation within a unified urban complex.

The original plans were later revised, and Palazzo d’Italia became one of the two smaller wings of the International Building. The 41 storey Art Deco office tower opened in 1935, with its construction becoming notable for speed, quality and modern building techniques. Its main structure was reportedly completed within 136 working days.

The development demonstrated how large scale real estate could create an entire commercial district rather than a single building. Offices, retail outlets, landscaped roof gardens, pedestrian plazas and public art were integrated to improve both the commercial value and identity of the property.

Rockefeller Center later became a New York City landmark and a United States National Historic Landmark. Its planning model continues to influence modern mixed use developments, business districts and urban regeneration projects around the world.