CBS Building Facts for Kids

The CBS Building is a famous skyscraper in New York City, New York. It is also known as "Black Rock" because of its dark color. This tall building is the main office for CBS, a big American television and radio company. Inside, many different parts of CBS work, including television networks, TV production companies, and groups that share TV shows with other stations.

What is the CBS Building?
Who Designed Black Rock?
Why is it Called Black Rock?
Building Features and Design
A Landmark in New York City
Images for kids
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What is the CBS Building?

The CBS Building is a very important office building located in Midtown Manhattan. It stands tall on Sixth Avenue, a busy street in New York City. This building is the main home for CBS, which means it's where many of their big decisions are made and where a lot of their work happens. It's a place where TV shows are planned, news is reported, and entertainment is created for people all over the world.

Who Designed Black Rock?

The CBS Building was designed by a famous architect named Eero Saarinen. He was known for creating unique and modern buildings. This was the only skyscraper Saarinen ever designed, and sadly, he passed away before it was finished. His team, led by Kevin Roche, completed the project. The building is a great example of Modernist architecture, which focuses on simple shapes and strong materials.

Why is it Called Black Rock?

The nickname "Black Rock" comes from the building's striking appearance. Its outside walls are covered with dark gray granite, which looks almost black, especially on a cloudy day. This dark stone gives the building a very strong and serious look, making it stand out from other buildings in New York City. The granite was chosen to make the building look solid and powerful.

Building Features and Design

The CBS Building is 38 stories tall and reaches a height of 510 feet (about 155 meters). It has a unique design with strong, vertical lines. The windows are set back slightly from the main walls, which creates a cool shadow effect and makes the building look even taller. Inside, the design is also very modern and simple, with open spaces and clean lines. The building was made to be very functional and efficient for the people working there.

A Landmark in New York City

The CBS Building was finished in 1965. It quickly became an important part of the New York City skyline. Because of its special design and history, it has been named a New York City Designated Landmark. This means it's a protected building that is important to the city's history and architecture. It continues to be a busy and active place for CBS operations today.