View source for Columbus Circle

{{Short description|Traffic circle in Manhattan, New York}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Columbus Circle
| native_name        = 
| native_name_lang   = 
| settlement_type    = [[List of Manhattan neighborhoods|Neighborhood and intersection]]
| image_skyline      = Columbus Circle in New York City.jpg
| imagesize          = 300px
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = 2015 view
| image_flag         = 
| flag_alt           = 
| image_seal         = 
| seal_alt           = 
| image_shield       = 
| shield_alt         = 
| nickname           = 
| motto              = 
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|zoom=12|type=shape|stroke-color=#000|stroke-width=1}}
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|40.769|-73.982|type:city_region:US-NY_dim:3km|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint      = 
| coordinates_footnotes = 
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|United States}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|New York}}
| subdivision_type2  = [[City]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[New York City]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Boroughs of New York City|Borough]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Manhattan]]
| subdivision_type4  = [[Community boards of Manhattan|Community District]]
| subdivision_name4  = [[Manhattan Community Board 4|Manhattan 4]], [[Manhattan Community Board 7|Manhattan 7]]<ref>{{cite web|title=NYC Planning {{!}} Community Profiles|url=https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/manhattan/4|website=communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of City Planning|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323024312/https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/manhattan/4|archive-date=March 23, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NYC Planning {{!}} Community Profiles|url=https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/manhattan/7|website=communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov|publisher=New York City Department of City Planning|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324160635/https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/manhattan/7|archive-date=March 24, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset1        = −05:00
| timezone1_DST      = EDT
| utc_offset1_DST    = −04:00
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]
| postal_code        = 10019
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbering plan|Area codes]]
| area_code          = [[Area codes 212, 646, and 332|212, 332, 646]], and [[Area code 917|917]]
| blank_name_sec1    = [[List of numbered streets in Manhattan|Boundaries]]
| blank_info_sec1    = [[61st Street (Manhattan)|61st Street]], [[Ninth Avenue (Manhattan)|Ninth Avenue]], [[57th Street (Manhattan)|57th Street]], [[Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)|Seventh Avenue]]
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[New York City Subway|Subway services]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = {{NYCS trains|Columbus Circle header}} at [[59th Street–Columbus Circle station]]
| blank3_name_sec1   = [[New York City Bus|Bus routes]]
| blank3_info_sec1   = {{NYC bus link|M5|M7|M10|M20|M104}}
| blank4_name_sec1   = Historical features
| blank4_info_sec1   = [[Columbus Monument (New York City)|Columbus Monument]]<br />[[USS Maine National Monument|USS ''Maine'' National Monument]]
}}
'''Columbus Circle''' is a [[traffic circle]] and heavily trafficked intersection in the [[New York City]] [[Boroughs of New York City|borough]] of [[Manhattan]], located at the intersection of [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]], [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]], [[59th Street (Manhattan)|Central Park South]] (West 59th Street), and [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)#Central Park West|Central Park West]], at the southwest corner of [[Central Park]]. The circle is the [[Kilometre zero|point from which official highway distances from New York City are measured]], as well as the center of the {{convert|25|mi|km}} restricted-travel area for [[C-2 visa]] holders.

The circle is named after the [[Columbus Monument (New York City)|monument]] of [[Christopher Columbus]] in the center, which is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]. The name is also used for the [[List of Manhattan neighborhoods|neighborhood]] that surrounds the circle for a few blocks in each direction. [[Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan|Hell's Kitchen]], also known as Clinton, is located to the southwest, and the [[Theater District, Manhattan|Theater District]] is to the southeast and the [[Lincoln Square, Manhattan|Lincoln Square]] section of the [[Upper West Side]] is to the northwest.

==History==
The [[traffic circle]], located at [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue/Central Park West]], [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]], and [[59th Street (Manhattan)|59th Street/Central Park South]], was designed as part of [[Frederick Law Olmsted]]'s 1857 vision for Central Park, which included a rotary on the southwest corner of the park. It abuts the Merchant's Gate, one of the park's eighteen major gates. Similar plazas were planned at the southeast corner of the park (now [[Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan)|Grand Army Plaza]]), the northeast corner ([[Duke Ellington Circle]]), and the northwest corner ([[Frederick Douglass Circle]]).<ref name="Heckscher 2008">{{cite book|last=Heckscher|first=M.H.|title=Creating Central Park|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art|series=DE-601)129532134: Metropolitan Museum of Art bulletin|year=2008|isbn=978-0-300-13669-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dx_GNFFLSXsC|access-date=October 13, 2017|pages=50–55}}</ref> Clearing of the land area for the circle started in 1868.<ref name="Minutes 1869" /><ref name="Bruner Foundation" /> The actual circle was approved two years later.<ref name="Bruner Foundation" /> The [[Columbus Monument (New York City)|Columbus Monument]] was placed at the center of the circle in 1892.<ref name="nyt18921013">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1892/10/13/104148386.pdf|title=The Voyager in Marble; Unveiling of the Great Columbus Monument|date=October 13, 1892|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625074611/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1892/10/13/104148386.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyh18921013">{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Press%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Press%25201892%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Press%25201892%2520-%25202368.pdf|title=Columbus is Unveiled by a Little Girl|work=New York Herald|date=October 13, 1892|page=6|access-date=October 13, 2017|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref name="Jackson p. 287">{{harvnb|ps=.|Jackson|2010|p=287}}</ref>

Columbus Circle was originally known generically as "The Circle".<ref name="Minutes 1869">{{cite book|title=Minutes of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park for the Year Ending April 30 ...|publisher=Wm. C. Bryant & Company, printers|year=1869|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxVJAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA28|access-date=October 9, 2018|page=28|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171145/https://books.google.com/books?id=HxVJAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Heckscher 2008" /> An 1871 account of the park referred to the roundabout as a "grand circle".<ref>{{cite book|title=The Metropolis Explained and Illustrated in Familiar Form ...|publisher=Devlin & Company|year=1871|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWlHAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA12|access-date=October 9, 2018|page=12|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171145/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWlHAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA12|url-status=live}}</ref> After the 1892 installation of the Columbus Column in the circle's center, it became known as "Columbus Circle",<ref name="Jackson p. 287" /><ref>{{Cite naming|page=124}}</ref> although its other names were also used through the 1900s.<ref name="nyt19020105">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1902/01/05/118465183.pdf|title=Improving Columbus Circle.|date=1902|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171145/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1902/01/05/118465183.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=horizontal
|image1=Columbus Circle Subway construction.jpeg
|caption1=Columbus Circle during construction of the [[Early history of the IRT subway|original subway]] in 1900
|image2=Columbus Circle Subway construction 1901.jpg
|caption2=Subway construction under the Columbus monument in 1901
}}

By 1901, construction on the [[Early history of the IRT subway|first subway line]] of the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]] (now the [[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]], used by the {{NYCS trains|Broadway-Seventh center}}) required the excavation of the circle, and the column and streetcar tracks through the area were put on temporary wooden stilts. As part of the subway line's construction, the [[59th Street–Columbus Circle (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)|59th Street–Columbus Circle]] station was built underneath the circle.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1901/05/26/101195712.pdf|title=Scenes Along the Route of the Tunnel; How Work Is Carried on Under the Columbus Column|date=May 26, 1901|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171145/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1901/05/26/101195712.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jackson p. 288">{{harvnb|ps=.|Jackson|2010|p=288}}</ref> During construction, traffic in the circle was so dangerous that the [[Municipal Art Society]] proposed redesigning the roundabout.<ref name="nyt19020105" /><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/04/16/101989357.pdf|title=Eighth Avenue Circle|date=April 16, 1903|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171146/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/04/16/101989357.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> By February 1904, the station underneath was largely complete,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Globe%2520and%2520Commerical%2520Advertiser%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Globe%2520and%2520Commerical%2520Advertiser%25201904%2520Feb-Apr%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Globe%2520and%2520Commerical%2520Advertiser%25201904%2520Feb-Apr%2520-%25200007.pdf|title=By Handcar Through the Subway—End of the Great Engineering Feat Now in Sight|work=The Globe and Commercial Advertiser|date=February 1, 1904|page=7|access-date=October 13, 2017|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171150/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Globe%20and%20Commerical%20Advertiser/New%20York%20NY%20Globe%20and%20Commerical%20Advertiser%201904%20Feb-Apr/New%20York%20NY%20Globe%20and%20Commerical%20Advertiser%201904%20Feb-Apr%20-%200007.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and service on the subway line began on October 27, 1904. The station only served local trains; express trains bypassed the station.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qYsgCaI8FDkC |title=Fifty Years of Rapid Transit — 1864 to 1917|date=1918|publisher=Law Printing|location=New York, N.Y.|last1=Walker|first1=James Blaine|access-date=November 6, 2016 |pages=162–191}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/10/27/101400669.pdf|title=Subway Opening to-day With Simple Ceremony; Exercises at One o'Clock; Public to be Admitted at Seven|date=October 27, 1904|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 28, 2017|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830224050/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/10/27/101400669.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The platforms of the IRT subway station were lengthened in 1957–1959, requiring further excavations around Columbus Circle.<ref>{{cite web|last=Katz|first=Ralph|title=IRT to Complete Repairs in a Year; Broadway Express Will Be Modified and Stations Revamped by June|website=The New York Times|date=May 10, 1958|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/10/archives/irt-to-complete-repairs-in-a-year-broadway-express-will-be-modified.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235831/https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/10/archives/irt-to-complete-repairs-in-a-year-broadway-express-will-be-modified.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> An additional subway line—the [[Independent Subway System]] (IND)'s [[IND Eighth Avenue Line|Eighth Avenue Line]], serving the present-day {{NYCS trains|Eighth center|time=nolink}}—was built starting in 1925. At Columbus Circle, workers had to be careful to not disrupt the existing IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line or Columbus Circle overhead.<ref>{{cite web|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/22/archives/the-citys-new-underground-province-the-eighth-avenue-subway-will-be.html|title=The City's New Underground Province; The Eighth Avenue Subway Will Be Not Only a Transit Line but a Centre for the Shopper|last=Warner|first=Arthur|date=November 22, 1931|website=The New York Times|access-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503050550/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/11/22/archives/the-citys-new-underground-province-the-eighth-avenue-subway-will-be.html|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Columbus monument was shored up during construction, and obstructions to traffic were minimized.<ref>{{cite web|last=Collins|first=F.a.|title=New Subway Burrows Under New York; Old Open Trench Methods No Longer Employed|website=The New York Times|date=October 10, 1926|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/10/10/archives/new-subway-burrows-under-new-york-old-open-trench-methods-no-longer.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007001210/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/10/10/archives/new-subway-burrows-under-new-york-old-open-trench-methods-no-longer.html|archive-date=October 7, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The line, which opened in 1932, contains a 4-track, 3-platform express station at [[59th Street–Columbus Circle (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|59th Street–Columbus Circle]], underneath the original IRT station.<ref>{{cite web|title=City to Open Subway in 8th Av. Tonight; Crowds Visit Tube|website=The New York Times|date=September 9, 1932|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/city-to-open-subway-in-8th-av-tonight-crowds-visit-tube-first-line.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235819/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/09/archives/city-to-open-subway-in-8th-av-tonight-crowds-visit-tube-first-line.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The IND station were designed as a single transit hub under Columbus Circle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Plan Huge Centre of Subway Traffic; Transit Lines Will Build Dual Station at Columbus Circle Four Blocks in Length|website=The New York Times|date=April 24, 1927|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/24/archives/plan-huge-centre-of-subway-traffic-transit-lines-will-build-dual.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006234915/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/24/archives/plan-huge-centre-of-subway-traffic-transit-lines-will-build-dual.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Conversion to traffic circle===
[[File:Columbus Circle rotary plan, William Phelps Eno, Street Traffic Regulation, page 28, published 1909.jpg|thumb|[[William Phelps Eno]]'s second Columbus Circle plans, developed in 1909]]
In November 1904, due to the high speeds of cars passing through the circle, the [[New York City Police Department]] added tightly spaced electric lights on the inner side of the circle, surrounding the column.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/11/15/106734813.pdf|title=Lane of Electric Lights; Police Plan Measure for Vehicles in the Columbus Circle.|date=November 15, 1904|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171146/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1904/11/15/106734813.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The circle was altered in 1905 by [[William Phelps Eno]], a businessman who pioneered many early innovations in [[road safety]] and traffic control.<ref>Henebery, Ann. [https://www.enotrans.org/article/the-rules-of-the-road-then-versus-now/ "The Rules of the Road: Then Versus Now"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055555/https://www.enotrans.org/article/the-rules-of-the-road-then-versus-now/ |date=October 10, 2017}}, [[Eno Center for Transportation]], October 6, 2015. Accessed October 9, 2017. "William P. Eno is internationally recognized as an original pioneer of traffic regulation and safety.... He was dubbed the 'Father of Traffic Safety' and many of the traffic-flow innovations that we now take for granted were a result of Eno's hard work. He is credited with designing Columbus Circle in New York City and the traffic circle surrounding the Arc de Triomphe in Paris."</ref><ref name="Petroski2016" /> In a 1920 book, Eno writes that prior to the implementation of his plan, traffic went around the circle in both directions, causing accidents almost daily. The 1905 plan, which he regarded as temporary, created a counterclockwise traffic pattern with a "safety zone" in the center of the circle for cars stopping; however, the circle was too narrow for the normal flow of traffic. Eno also wrote of a permanent plan, with the safety zones on the outside as well as clearly delineated [[pedestrian crossing]]s.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Science of Highway Traffic Regulation: 1899–1920|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UJQvAQAAIAAJ|last=Eno|first=William P.|year=1920|publisher=Brentano's|pages=26–27}}</ref> The redesign marked the first true [[One-way traffic|one-way]] [[traffic circle]] to be constructed anywhere, implementing the [[Eugène Hénard#Improved intersections|ideas of Eugène Hénard]].<ref name="Petroski2016">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eflzCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT79|title=The Road Taken: The History and Future of America's Infrastructure|last=Petroski|first=Henry|date=2016|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA|isbn=978-1-63286-361-4|page=79}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B8FLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA111|title=Municipal Engineering|date=1917|publisher=Municipal Engineering Company|page=111}}</ref> In this second scheme, the public space within the circle, around the monument, was almost as small as the monument's base.<ref name="nyt20050804">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/nyregion/an-island-of-sanctuary-in-the-traffic-stream.html|title=An Island of Sanctuary in the Traffic Stream|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=August 4, 2005|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016015928/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/04/nyregion/an-island-of-sanctuary-in-the-traffic-stream.html|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

The rotary traffic plan was not successful. A ''New York Times'' article in June 1929 stated that the "Christopher Columbus [monument] is safe and serene, but he's the only thing in the Circle that is."<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficMaze-1929">{{cite web|title=Columbus Circle a Traffic Maze; Intersecting Streets and Car Tracks Make Orderly Movement Impossible|website=The New York Times|date=June 30, 1929|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/30/archives/columbus-circle-a-traffic-maze-intersecting-streets-and-car-tracks.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006201844/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/30/archives/columbus-circle-a-traffic-maze-intersecting-streets-and-car-tracks.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, there were eight entrance and exit points to Columbus Circle: two each from 59th Street/Central Park South, to the west and east; Broadway, to the northwest and southeast; Eighth Avenue/Central Park West, to the south and north; and within Central Park to the northeast.{{efn|These directions are relative to [[Commissioners' Plan of 1811|Manhattan's street grid]], which is rotated 29 degrees clockwise from geographic north. So for instance, Broadway really points north and south, while Eighth Avenue/Central Park West points south-southwest and north-northeast respectively.}} Moreover, streetcars on the former three streets did not go counterclockwise around the rotary, but rather, both tracks of all three streetcar routes went around one side of the monument, creating frequent conflicts between streetcars and automobiles using the rotary in opposite directions. The police officers patrolling the circle had to manage the 58,000 cars that entered Columbus Circle every 12 hours.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficMaze-1929" /> 

As part of a plan to reorganize traffic in the "Columbus-Central Park Zone", Eno's circular-traffic plan was abolished in November 1929, and traffic was allowed to go around the circle in both directions.<ref name="nyt20050804" /><ref name="NYTimes-NewTrafficRules 1929" /> Central Park West, a one-way street that formerly carried southbound traffic into the circle, was now one-way northbound.<ref name="NYTimes-NewTrafficRules 1929" /> The bidirectional entrance roads into Central Park, which fed into northbound and eastbound [[West Drive]], were both changed to one-way streets because West Drive had been changed from bidirectional to one-way southbound and eastbound.<ref name="NYTimes-NewTrafficRules 1929" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FYonkers%2520NY%2520Statesman%2FYonkers%2520NY%2520Statesman%25201929%2FYonkers%2520NY%2520Statesman%25201929%2520-%25205917.pdf|title=Whalen Sets Traffic Plans|work=Yonkers Statesman|date=November 26, 1929|page=14|access-date=October 6, 2018|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171154/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/Yonkers%20NY%20Statesman/Yonkers%20NY%20Statesman%201929/Yonkers%20NY%20Statesman%201929%20-%205917.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Traffic going straight through Columbus Circle was forced to go around the left side of the monument, while any traffic making turns from the circle had to go counterclockwise around the rotary using the right side.<ref name="NYTimes-NewTrafficRules 1929">{{cite web|title=Whalen Installs New Traffic Rules; He Takes Up Post in Columbus Circle to See Effect of Ending 'Rotary' Travel|website=The New York Times|date=November 30, 1929|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/30/archives/whalen-installs-new-traffic-rules-he-takes-up-post-in-columbus.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006194858/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/30/archives/whalen-installs-new-traffic-rules-he-takes-up-post-in-columbus.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Alterations ===
[[File:Columbus körforgalom, háttérben a Central Park street, a kép a Broadway felől nézve készült. Fortepan 16918.jpg|thumb|Columbus Circle in 1939]]
The bidirectional traffic pattern through Columbus Circle failed to eliminate congestion. In 1941, engineers with the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|New York City Parks Department]] and the [[Manhattan Borough President]]'s office formed a tentative agreement to redesign Columbus Circle yet again. "Local" and "express" lanes would segregate north–south traffic passing within the circle. Local north–south traffic and all east–west traffic would go around the circle's perimeter in a counterclockwise direction, along a {{convert|45|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} roadway.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficPlan-1941" /><ref name="NYTimes-Roadways-Islands-1949" /> Through north–south traffic on Broadway, Eighth Avenue, and Central Park West would use two {{convert|71|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} divided roadways with {{convert|5|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} landscaped medians, running in [[chord (geometry)|chords]] on either side of the Columbus monument. Traffic from southbound Broadway and northbound Eighth Avenue would use the western chord, and northbound Broadway and southbound Central Park West would use the eastern chord.<ref name="NYTimes-Roadways-Islands-1949" /> The center of the circle would be refurbished with a tree-lined plaza, and pedestrian traffic from the north and south would be able to pass through the center of the circle. The exit into Columbus Circle from West Drive would be eliminated, and the entrance to West Drive would be relocated.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficPlan-1941" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201941%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201941%2520-%25203217.pdf|title=Board to Act on Traffic Jam|work=New York Sun|date=May 9, 1941|page=10|access-date=October 6, 2018|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171149/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201941/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201941%20-%203217.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In a related development, the 59th Street trolley route's tracks would be removed. This was crucial to the reorganization of the circle, as the trolley had already been discontinued.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficPlan-1941">{{cite web|title=Columbus Circle Gets Traffic Plan to End Bottleneck|website=The New York Times|date=May 9, 1941|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/09/archives/columbus-circle-gets-traffic-plan-to-end-bottleneck-trouble-zone-to.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235827/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/09/archives/columbus-circle-gets-traffic-plan-to-end-bottleneck-trouble-zone-to.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The proposed reorganization of Columbus Circle was widely praised by civic groups and city officials.<ref name="nyt19410510">{{cite web|title=Many Back Plan to Beautify Circle; City Officials and Civic Units Praise Idea as Benefit to Realty and Traffic|website=The New York Times|date=May 10, 1941|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/10/archives/many-back-plan-to-beautify-circle-city-officials-and-civic-units.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007000740/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/10/archives/many-back-plan-to-beautify-circle-city-officials-and-civic-units.html|archive-date=October 7, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, William Phelps Eno advocated for a return to his original 1905 proposal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Traffic Expert Advocates Change in Proposal at Columbus Circle|website=The New York Times|date=June 8, 1941|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/08/archives/traffic-expert-advocates-change-in-proposal-at-columbus-circle.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007001226/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/06/08/archives/traffic-expert-advocates-change-in-proposal-at-columbus-circle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the plan still had some issues, the largest of which was that traffic traveling on Broadway in either direction would be routed onto Eighth Avenue or Central Park West, and vice versa.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficPlan-1941" /><ref name="NYTimes-Roadways-Islands-1949" /> The reconfiguration of the circle was deferred due to [[World War II]].<ref name="Ingraham 1949">{{cite web|last=Ingraham|first=Joseph C.|title=Columbus Circle Traffic Puzzle is Redrawn|website=The New York Times|date=November 6, 1949|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/06/archives/columbus-circle-traffic-puzzle-is-redrawn.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235404/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/11/06/archives/columbus-circle-traffic-puzzle-is-redrawn.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The trolley routes that ran through Columbus Circle were discontinued in 1946, but the bus routes that replaced the trolley lines took the same convoluted paths through the circle.<ref name="Ingraham 1949" /> In June 1949, it was announced that the reconstruction of Columbus Circle would finally begin.<ref name="NYTimes-Roadways-Islands-1949">{{cite web|title=Columbus Circle to Be Rearranged With 5 Roadways and 5 'Islands'; 45-Foot Wide Perimeter Strip and Four Cross Lanes are Planned to Expedite Traffich|website=The New York Times|date=June 16, 1949|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/06/16/archives/columbus-circle-to-be-rearranged-with-5-roadways-and-5-islands.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007001205/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/06/16/archives/columbus-circle-to-be-rearranged-with-5-roadways-and-5-islands.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Work on removing the abandoned trolley tracks commenced in August.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficPuzzle-1949">{{cite web|title=Columbus Circle's Traffic Puzzle To Be Simplified by New Design|website=The New York Times|date=August 15, 1949|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/08/15/archives/columbus-circles-traffic-puzzle-to-be-simplified-by-new-design.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235814/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/08/15/archives/columbus-circles-traffic-puzzle-to-be-simplified-by-new-design.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In conjunction with Columbus Circle's rehabilitation, the [[New York City Department of Transportation]] designed a variable traffic light system for the circle. The project was originally set to be complete by November 1949 at a cost of $100,000.<ref name="NYTimes-TrafficPuzzle-1949" /> However, delays arose due to the need to maintain traffic flows through the circle during construction.<ref name="Ingraham 1949" /> The project was ultimately completed that December.<ref>{{cite web|title=Traffic Is Faster, Smoother in Test Of Columbus Circle's Rotary Plan|website=The New York Times|date=December 6, 1949|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/12/06/archives/traffic-is-faster-smoother-in-test-of-columbus-circles-rotary-plan.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006235548/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/12/06/archives/traffic-is-faster-smoother-in-test-of-columbus-circles-rotary-plan.html|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The entirety of Eighth Avenue south of Columbus Circle was converted to northbound-only traffic in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ingraham|first=Joseph C.|title=More One-Way Avenues Set As City Speeds Defense Plan|website=The New York Times|date=December 30, 1950|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/12/30/archives/more-oneway-avenues-set-as-city-speeds-defense-plan-manhattans.html|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007001156/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/12/30/archives/more-oneway-avenues-set-as-city-speeds-defense-plan-manhattans.html|archive-date=October 7, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1956, in preparation for the opening of the [[New York Coliseum]] on Columbus Circle's west side, traffic on Central Park West and Broadway was rearranged. Central Park West was made northbound-only for a short segment north of the circle, and two blocks of Broadway south of the circle were converted to southbound-only. A new northbound roadway was cut through the southern tip of the center traffic island that contained the statue, from Eighth Avenue to the eastern chord. At the same time, the eastern chord was converted to northbound-only.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/20/archives/columbus-circle-traffic-will-shift-changes-will-include-new-road-to.html|title=Columbus Circle Traffic Will Shift; Changes Will Include New Road to Ease Jam at Coliseum|last=Ingraham|first=Joseph C.|date=February 20, 1956|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214142449/http://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/20/archives/columbus-circle-traffic-will-shift-changes-will-include-new-road-to.html|archive-date=February 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 1990s and 2000s renovation ===
By the late 20th century, it was regarded as one of the most inhospitable of the city's major intersections, as the interior circle was being used for motorcycle parking, and the circle as a whole was hard for pedestrians to cross. In 1979, noted architecture critic [[Paul Goldberger]] said that the intersection was "a chaotic jumble of streets that can be crossed in about 50 different ways—all of them wrong."<ref name="nyt20050804" /> In 1987, the city awarded a $20 million contract to [[Olin Partnership]] and [[Vollmer Associates]] to create a new design for the circle.<ref name="nyt20050804" /> 

The circle was refurbished in 1991–1992 as part of the 500th-anniversary celebration of Columbus's arrival in the Americas.<ref name="Sun-Columbus-2005">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nysun.com/new-york/two-years-and-20m-later-traffic-plagued-columbus/16174/|title=Two Years and $20M Later, Traffic-Plagued Columbus Circle Near Completion|last=Lombino|first=David|date=June 28, 2005|website=The New York Sun|access-date=October 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015202529/http://www.nysun.com/new-york/two-years-and-20m-later-traffic-plagued-columbus/16174/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jackson p. 288" /> In 1998, as a result of the study, the circular-traffic plan was reinstated, with all traffic going around the circle in a counterclockwise direction. The center of the circle was planned for further renovations, with a proposed park {{Convert|200|ft|m}} across.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/11/nyregion/traffic-on-columbus-circle-finally-comes-well-full-circle.html|title=Traffic on Columbus Circle Finally Comes, Well, Full Circle|last=Newman|first=Andy|date=August 11, 1998|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016065926/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/11/nyregion/traffic-on-columbus-circle-finally-comes-well-full-circle.html|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The design for a full renovation of the circle was finalized in 2001.<ref name="ASLA 2006">{{Cite web|url=https://www.asla.org/awards/2006/06winners/238.html|title=ASLA 2006 Professional Awards|date=2006|publisher=American Society of Landscape Architects|access-date=October 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716185617/https://www.asla.org/awards/2006/06winners/238.html|archive-date=July 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The project started in 2003, and was completed in 2005. It included a new water fountain by [[WET (company)|Water Entertainment Technologies]], who also designed the [[Bellagio (hotel and casino)#Fountains of Bellagio|Fountains of Bellagio]]; benches made of [[ipe wood]]; and plantings encircling the monument.<ref name="nyt20050804" /><ref name="Sun-Columbus-2005" /> The fountain, the main part of the reconstructed circle, contains 99 jets that periodically change in force and speed, with effects ranging between "swollen river, a rushing brook, a driving rain or a gentle shower".<ref name="nyt20050804" /> The inner circle is about {{convert|36000|sqft|m2|-2}}, while the outer circle is around {{convert|148000|sqft|m2|-2}}. The redesign was the recipient of the 2006 [[American Society of Landscape Architects]]' General Design Award Of Honor.<ref name="ASLA 2006" /> In 2007 Columbus Circle was awarded the [[Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence]] silver medal.<ref name="Bruner Foundation">{{cite web|title=Silver Medal Winner – Columbus Circle – New York, New York|url=http://www.rudybruneraward.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/05-Columbus-Circle-Public-Plaza.pdf|publisher=Bruner Foundation|access-date=September 6, 2013|date=2008|page=6|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171149/http://www.rudybruneraward.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/05-Columbus-Circle-Public-Plaza.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Monument ==
{{Main|Columbus Monument (New York City)}}
[[File:Columbus Circle - Statue.JPG|thumb|[[Columbus Monument (New York City)|Columbus Monument]] on Columbus Circle in September 2006]]
The Columbus Monument, a {{convert|76|ft|m|adj=on}} column installed at the center of Columbus Circle, consists of a {{convert|14|ft|m|adj=on}} [[marble]] statue of Columbus atop a {{convert|27.5|ft|m|adj=on}} [[granite]] [[rostral column]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Herald%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Herald%25201892%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Herald%25201892%2520-%25205399.pdf|title=Italy's Gift Is Here|date=September 5, 1892|work=The Press|access-date=October 13, 2017|location=[[New York City|New York, New York]]|page=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171150/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/New%20York%20NY%20Herald/New%20York%20NY%20Herald%201892/New%20York%20NY%20Herald%201892%20-%205399.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> on a four-stepped granite [[pedestal]].<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1892/06/13/104135789.pdf|title=Columbus Memorials.; Three of Them Soon to Be Presented to This City.|date=June 13, 1892|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171149/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1892/06/13/104135789.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Created by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vanderkrogt.net/statues/object.php?webpage=CO&record=usny28|title=New York – Columbus Monument|website=www.vanderkrogt.net|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830071020/http://www.vanderkrogt.net/statues/object.php?webpage=CO&record=usny28|archive-date=August 30, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> the monument was installed at the center of the circle in 1892.<ref name="nyt18921013" /><ref name="nyh18921013" /><ref name="Jackson p. 287" /> It is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly List 20181123|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-2018-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf|publisher=[[U.S. National Park Service]]|date=November 23, 2018|access-date=November 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129100641/https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/weekly-list-20181123.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Neighborhood ==
The five streets radiating from the circle separate the immediate surrounding area into five distinct portions.<ref name="MTAMaps-2015">{{Cite NYCS map|neighborhood|Midtown West}}</ref><ref name="google-maps">{{Google maps|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus+Cir,+New+York,+NY/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x89c258f63c9804b5:0xacca5e3d4112d7eb?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiLvO-l8e7WAhXjK8AKHSDAAR0Q8gEIkgEwDw|title=Columbus Cir, New York, NY|access-date=October 13, 2017}}</ref>

In the early 20th century, much of the development around Columbus Circle was spurred by magazine publisher [[William Randolph Hearst]], who acquired several plots before he ultimately erected the [[Hearst Magazine Building]] at Eighth Avenue and 57th Street in 1928.<ref name="NYCL-1625">{{cite web|date=February 16, 1988|title=Hearst Magazine Building|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1625.pdf|access-date=December 12, 2020|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831175243/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1625.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|3}}<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 619" />{{efn|Hearst's first purchase was the southern side of the circle, now 2 Columbus Circle, in 1895.<ref name="NYCL-1625" /> He bought the block to the south, now 3 Columbus Circle, in 1903.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 29, 1903|title=In the Real Estate Field.; Week of Interesting Developments|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/11/29/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-week-of-interesting-developments-heavy.html|access-date=December 13, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029060805/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/11/29/archives/in-the-real-estate-field-week-of-interesting-developments-heavy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight years after that, Hearst bought a plot on the northern side of Columbus Circle.<ref name="nyt19110629" /> In 1921, Hearst completed his acquisition of lots on the northern side of 58th Street west of Eighth Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 18, 1921|title=Plans Skyscraper in Columbus Circle; W. R. Hearst Finally Completes the Assembly of Plot Containing 70,000 Square Feet|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1921/05/18/archives/plans-skyscraper-in-columbus-circle-wr-hearst-finally-completes-the.html|access-date=December 13, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171150/https://www.nytimes.com/1921/05/18/archives/plans-skyscraper-in-columbus-circle-wr-hearst-finally-completes-the.html|url-status=live}}</ref> None of these structures were ultimately built, except for that on the northern plot.<ref name="NYCL-1625" />{{rp|3}}}} Hearst had envisioned the creation of a large Midtown headquarters for his company near Columbus Circle, in the belief that the area would become the city's next large entertainment district.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 619">{{Cite New York 1930|page=619}}</ref> By the late 1920s, Hearst was acquiring large amounts of land in the area in an effort to create a "Hearst Plaza" near Columbus Circle.<ref name="NYCL-1625" />{{Rp|4}}<ref name="Swanberg1961">{{cite book|last=Swanberg|first=William Andrew|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rp1ZAAAAMAAJ|title=Citizen Hearst: A Biography of William Randolph Hearst|publisher=Scribner|year=1961|series=Bantam books|issue=v. 436|isbn=9780684171470|access-date=December 13, 2020|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831175241/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rp1ZAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hearst Magazine Building, later expanded into the [[Hearst Tower (Manhattan)|Hearst Tower]], is the only remnant of this scheme, the other parts of the proposal having collapsed in the [[Great Depression]].<ref name="NYCL-1625" />{{Rp|5}}<ref name="Swanberg1961" />{{rp|484–485}}

=== West ===
[[File:ColumbusCirclefromTimeWarnerCenterNYC20050807.jpg|thumb|Columbus Circle looking east toward [[59th Street (Manhattan)|Central Park South]] from [[Deutsche Bank Center]]]]
To the west of the circle is a superblock spanning two streets, bounded by Broadway, 60th Street, Ninth Avenue, 58th Street, and Eighth Avenue.<ref name="MTAMaps-2015" /> The superblock was formerly two separate blocks.<ref name="Jackson p. 914">{{harvnb|ps=.|Jackson|2010|p=914}}</ref> In 1901 the first theatre built in the Columbus Circle area, the [[Circle Theatre (Broadway)|Circle Theatre]], was built.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fV83-1F8-bkC&dq=1825+Broadway+%C2%A0%22circle+Theatre%22&pg=PA185|title=The Papers of Will Rogers: Wild West and vaudeville : April 1904-September 1908|first1=Steven K.|last1= Gragert|first2=M. Jane|last2= Johansson|year= 1996|publisher=[[University of Oklahoma Press]]|isbn=9780806127453|page=185}}</ref> From 1902 to 1954, the [[Majestic Theatre (Columbus Circle)|Majestic Theatre]] occupied the more southerly of the two blocks.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 28, 1949|title=International Theatre in New York, NY|url=http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/2936|access-date=December 13, 2020|website=Cinema Treasures|archive-date=June 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622052421/http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/2936|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Robert Moses]] closed and eliminated that block of 59th Street during the [[New York Coliseum]]'s construction from 1954 to 1956.<ref name="Jackson p. 914" /><ref>{{cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/26/realestate/streetscapes-the-coliseum-the-hybrid-pseudo-modern-on-columbus-circle.html|title=The Coliseum; The 'Hybrid Pseudo-Modern' on Columbus Circle|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=April 26, 1987|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818055359/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/26/realestate/streetscapes-the-coliseum-the-hybrid-pseudo-modern-on-columbus-circle.html|archive-date=August 18, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The construction project, in turn, was the culmination of an effort to remove [[San Juan Hill, Manhattan|San Juan Hill]], the [[slum]] that had been located at the site.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/04/13/archives/coliseum-is-begun-after-8year-lag-mayor-and-moses-denounce-bid-in.html|title=Coliseum is Begun After 8-year Lag|last=Hudson|first=Edward|date=April 13, 1954|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014183859/http://www.nytimes.com/1954/04/13/archives/coliseum-is-begun-after-8year-lag-mayor-and-moses-denounce-bid-in.html|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Until the [[Jacob K. Javits Convention Center]] was built in [[Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan|Hell's Kitchen]] in the 1980s, the Coliseum was the primary event venue for New York City.<ref name="Jackson p. 914" /> By 1985, there were plans to replace the Coliseum,<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/03/nyregion/14-plans-for-coliseum-site-sent-to-city-and-mta.html|title=14 Plans for Coliseum Site Sent to City and M.T.A.|last=Blair|first=William G.|date=May 3, 1985|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014234635/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/03/nyregion/14-plans-for-coliseum-site-sent-to-city-and-mta.html|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and after a series of delays, the Coliseum was demolished in 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/20/nyregion/built-but-not-destined-to-last-a-robert-moses-legacy-coliseum-is-coming-down.html|title=Built, but Not Destined, to Last; A Robert Moses Legacy, Coliseum Is Coming Down|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=February 20, 2000|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044703/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/20/nyregion/built-but-not-destined-to-last-a-robert-moses-legacy-coliseum-is-coming-down.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 2003,<ref name="AIA5 p. 310" /><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/19/realestate/a-vertical-neighborhood-takes-shape.html|title=A Vertical Neighborhood Takes Shape|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=January 19, 2003|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014133842/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/19/realestate/a-vertical-neighborhood-takes-shape.html|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>  the site has been occupied by [[Deutsche Bank Center]] (originally Time Warner Center).<ref name="Real Estate Weekly 2021">{{cite web|date=May 25, 2021|title=Time Warner Center renamed Deutsche Bank Center|url=https://rew-online.com/time-warner-center-renamed-deutsche-bank-center/|access-date=May 25, 2021|website=Real Estate Weekly|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525175007/https://rew-online.com/time-warner-center-renamed-deutsche-bank-center/|url-status=live}}</ref> The center consists of a pair of {{convert|750|ft|adj=on}} towers 53 stories high.<ref name="Jacobs 2009">{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Karrie|date=April 21, 2009|title=The New Time Warner Center|url=http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/full-circle|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022223332/http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/full-circle|archive-date=October 22, 2017|access-date=October 12, 2017|website=Travel + Leisure}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Crow|first=Kelly|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/09/nyregion/the-newest-tower-working-24-7.html|title=The Newest Tower: Working 24/7|date=December 9, 2001|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010104750/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/09/nyregion/the-newest-tower-working-24-7.html|archive-date=October 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The complex also hosts the [[The Shops at Columbus Circle|Shops at Columbus Circle]] mall, [[Jazz at Lincoln Center]], the New York City studio headquarters of [[CNN]], and the [[Mandarin Oriental, New York]] hotel.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Jackson|2010|p=1319}}</ref><ref name="Jacobs 2009" /> The mall inside the complex includes prestigious restaurants in the center such as Bad Roman,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/dining/nyc-restaurant-news.html | title=Bad Roman, Offering Modern Italian, Opens in Columbus Circle | work=The New York Times | date=February 14, 2023 | last1=Fabricant | first1=Florence }}</ref> [[Per Se (restaurant)|Per Se]], and [[Masa (restaurant)|Masa]].<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/dining/columbus-circle-a-new-world.html|title=Columbus Circle: A New World|last=Ensminger|first=Kris|date=October 9, 2005|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015095252/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/dining/columbus-circle-a-new-world.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com/dining/|title=Dining|publisher=The Shops at Columbus Circle|date=2017|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013070100/http://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com/dining/|archive-date=October 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== North ===
The north side of Columbus Circle is bounded by Broadway, Central Park West, and 61st Street.<ref name="MTAMaps-2015" /> In 1911, Hearst bought this city block.<ref name="nyt19110629">{{Cite news|date=June 29, 1911|title=Hearst Buys Block in Columbus Circle; Site of Old Durland Riding Academy Taken for a Building for His Newspapers|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1911/06/29/archives/hearst-buys-block-in-columbus-circle-site-of-old-durland-riding.html|access-date=December 13, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831175241/https://www.nytimes.com/1911/06/29/archives/hearst-buys-block-in-columbus-circle-site-of-old-durland-riding.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The plot was developed with a three-story building by 1914, designed by [[Charles E. Birge]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 4, 1914|title=W. R. Hearst's Columbus Circle Building|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/10/04/archives/w-r-hearsts-columbus-circle-building.html|access-date=December 13, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831175247/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/10/04/archives/w-r-hearsts-columbus-circle-building.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 22, 1914|title=Renewed Activity at Columbus Circle|url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_054&page=ldpd_7031148_054_00000301&no=1|journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide|volume=94|pages=202–204|via=[[Columbia University|columbia.edu]]|number=2423|access-date=December 13, 2020|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831175437/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_054&page=ldpd_7031148_054_00000301&no=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Its superstructure was designed to support the weight of a 30-story tower that was never built.<ref name="NYCL-1625" />{{Rp|3}}

The 44-story Gulf and Western Building (later the [[Trump International Hotel and Tower (New York City)|Trump International Hotel and Tower]]) was completed on the site in 1969<ref>{{harvnb|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|ps=.|p=353}}</ref> or 1970.<ref name="nyt19930131">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/31/realestate/commercial-property-gulf-ands-western-building-twisting-wind-columbus-circle.html|title=Commercial Property: The Gulf ands Western Building; Twisting in the Wind On Columbus Circle|last=Rothstein|first=Mervyn|date=January 31, 1993|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014083849/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/31/realestate/commercial-property-gulf-ands-western-building-twisting-wind-columbus-circle.html|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It served in this capacity until the conglomerate filed for bankruptcy in 1991.<ref name="nyt19930131" />  In 1994, [[Donald Trump]] announced his plans to convert the building into a mixed-purpose hotel and condominium tower.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/17/realestate/for-a-troubled-building-a-new-twist.html|title=For a Troubled Building, a New Twist|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=July 17, 1994|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822015546/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/17/realestate/for-a-troubled-building-a-new-twist.html|archive-date=August 22, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Renovations started in 1995,<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/21/nyregion/trump-tries-convert-50-s-style-into-90-s-gold-makeover-starts-columbus-circle.html|title=Trump Tries to Convert 50s Style Into 90s Gold; Makeover Starts on Columbus Circle Hotel|last=Muschamp|first=Herbert|date=June 21, 1995|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131194551/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/21/nyregion/trump-tries-convert-50-s-style-into-90-s-gold-makeover-starts-columbus-circle.html|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and were completed by 1997.<ref name="Jackson p. 288" /><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/travel/new-trump-hotel-on-central-park.html|title=New Trump Hotel On Central Park|date=January 19, 1997|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015045005/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/travel/new-trump-hotel-on-central-park.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The building was stripped to its steel skeleton and reclad in a new facade, becoming the Trump International Hotel and Tower.<ref name="Jacobs 2009" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pogrebin|first=Robin|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/25/nyregion/52-story-comeback-so-very-trump-columbus-circle-tower-proclaims-that-modesty.html|title=52-Story Comeback Is So Very Trump;Columbus Circle Tower Proclaims That Modesty Is an Overrated Virtue|date=April 25, 1996|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113164615/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/25/nyregion/52-story-comeback-so-very-trump-columbus-circle-tower-proclaims-that-modesty.html|archive-date=November 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The steel [[Columbus Circle globe|globe]] outside the building was installed in this renovation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=October 26, 2016|title=Trump Wanted His Name Across the Earth. New York City Said No.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/26/nyregion/trump-wanted-his-name-across-the-earth-new-york-city-said-no.html|access-date=December 13, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102090241/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/26/nyregion/trump-wanted-his-name-across-the-earth-new-york-city-said-no.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Northeast ===
On the northeast lies the Merchant's Gate to [[Central Park]], dominated by the [[USS Maine National Monument|USS ''Maine'' National Monument]]. The USS ''Maine'' monument was designed by [[Harold Van Buren Magonigle]] and sculpted by [[Attilio Piccirilli]], who did the colossal group and figures, and [[Charles Keck]], who was responsible for the "In Memoriam" plaque. An imposing [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]] edifice of marble and gilded bronze,<ref name="NYCParks-Maine" /> it was dedicated in 1913 and was funded by Hearst.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 619" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 25, 1913|title=Monument to Maine Heroes Ready for Unveiling; Distinguished Guests and Imposing Ceremonies at the Dedication on Memorial Day|work=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/05/25/100267546.pdf|access-date=October 14, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171150/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/05/25/100267546.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The statue is a memorial to sailors killed aboard the [[battleship]] [[USS Maine (ACR-1)|USS ''Maine'']], whose mysterious 1898 explosion in [[Havana]] harbor precipitated the [[Spanish–American War]].<ref name="NYCParks-Maine">[https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/966 USS Maine National Monument] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920164624/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/966 |date=September 20, 2017}}, [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]. Accessed October 9, 2017.</ref>

=== South ===
[[Actors' Equity]] was founded in 1913 in the old Pabst Grand Circle Hotel,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Harding|first=Alfred|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/27/archives/after-a-stormy-youth-equity-comes-of-age-equity-reaches-the-age-of.html|title=After a Stormy Youth Equity Comes of Age; Equity Reaches the Age of Twenty-One|date=May 27, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227143007/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/05/27/archives/after-a-stormy-youth-equity-comes-of-age-equity-reaches-the-age-of.html|archive-date=February 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> on the southern side of the circle.<ref name="nyt20060108" />

The original structure at 2 Columbus Circle was torn down in 1960. It was replaced by [[2 Columbus Circle]], an [[International Style (architecture)|International Modernist]] tower designed by architect [[Edward Durrell Stone]] to house the [[Huntington Hartford]] Gallery of Modern Art.<ref name="nyt20060108">{{Cite news|last=Muschamp|first=Herbert|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/08/arts/design/08musc.html|title=The Secret History of 2 Columbus Circle|date=January 8, 2006|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114200526/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/08/arts/design/08musc.html|archive-date=January 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Vacated when the city's [[New York City Department of Cultural Affairs|Department of Cultural Affairs]] departed in 1998,<ref name="nyt20060108" /> 2 Columbus Circle was listed as one of the [[World Monuments Fund]]'s "[[2006 World Monuments Watch|100 most endangered sites]]" in 2006.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=Summer 2005|title=100 Most Endangered Sites 2006|url=https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/article/pdfs/Watch_Catalog_2006.pdf|journal=World Monuments Fund|pages=47|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908044236/https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/article/pdfs/Watch_Catalog_2006.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> After a renovation by architect [[Brad Cloepfil]], the building became the new home of the [[Museum of Arts and Design]] in 2008.<ref name="AIA5 p. 310">{{harvnb|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|ps=.|p=310}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Jackson|2010|pp=288, 868}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/arts/design/26desi.html|title=Brad Cloepfil's Museum of Arts and Design Gives a Building a New Face and Restores Its Original Mission|last=Ouroussoff|first=Nicolai|date=September 25, 2008|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025045622/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/arts/design/26desi.html|archive-date=October 25, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Its radical transformation was controversial for the failure of the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|city's Landmarks Preservation Commission]] to hold hearings on its worthiness for designation.<ref>{{cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/arts/design/02landmarks.html|title=Preservation and Development, Engaged in a Delicate Dance|last=Pogrebin|first=Robin|date=December 1, 2008|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=July 18, 2010|author-link=Robin Pogrebin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410152629/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/arts/design/02landmarks.html|archive-date=April 10, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/columns/intelligencer/12156/|title=The 2 Columbus Circle Game|last=Wolfe|first=Tom|date=July 4, 2005|website=New York Magazine|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025213455/http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/columns/intelligencer/12156/|archive-date=October 25, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/06/13/columbus-circle-site-sets-off-a-controversy/|title=Columbus Circle site sets off a controversy|last=Hales|first=Linda|date=June 13, 2004|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=October 14, 2017|via=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044259/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-06-13/business/0406130273_1_columbus-circle-edward-durell-stone-historic-preservation|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Southeast ===
Several buildings are on the block bordering the circle's southeast section.<ref name="AIA5 p. 308">{{harvnb|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|ps=.|p=308}}</ref> [[240 Central Park South]], a balconied [[moderne architecture|moderne]] apartment building across Broadway from the museum, is directly on the southeast corner of the circle.<ref name="NRHP-09000304">{{cite web|date=April 3, 2009|title=Historic Structures Report: 240 Central Park South|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/09000304.pdf|access-date=October 24, 2020|publisher=[[National Register of Historic Places]], [[National Park Service]]|pages=3, 15|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827224929/https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/09000304.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Built between 1939 and 1940 to designs by [[Albert Mayer (planner)|Albert Mayer]] and [[Julian Whittlesey]],<ref name="NRHP-09000304" /><ref name="AIA5 p. 308" /> it is a city-designated landmark and a [[National Register of Historic Places|National Registered Historic Place]].<ref>{{Cite nycland|page=128}}</ref> 240 Central Park South has 28 stories across two apartment blocks, and is variously quoted as having either 325,<ref name="nyt19970209">{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=February 9, 1997|title=A Model of High-Density Residential Development|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/09/realestate/a-model-of-high-density-residential-development.html|access-date=October 22, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027081845/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/09/realestate/a-model-of-high-density-residential-development.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 326,<ref>{{cite web|date=June 25, 2002|title=240 Central Park South|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2116.pdf|access-date=October 24, 2020|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|page=5|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027184520/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2116.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NRHP-09000304" /> or 327 apartments.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=October 6, 1977|title=The City's Top 10 Apartment Buildings|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/10/06/archives/westchester-opinion-the-citys-top-10-apartment-buildings-the-top-10.html|access-date=October 23, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027164831/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/10/06/archives/westchester-opinion-the-citys-top-10-apartment-buildings-the-top-10.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The building contains several [[roof garden]]s, and from the outset, was marketed toward people who wanted suburban lifestyles.<ref name="nyt19970209" /><ref>{{cite news|date=January 21, 1940|title=House of Wings Rising Opposite Central Park S: Largest Suite Building in Construction in City To Be Completed in June|page=C1|work=New York Herald Tribune|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1243011139|url-access=subscription|access-date=October 19, 2020|id={{ProQuest|1243011139}}}}</ref>

On Central Park South, just east of 240 Central Park South, is the [[Gainsborough Studios (Manhattan)|Gainsborough Studios]].<ref name="AIA5 p. 308" /> Designed by Charles W. Buckham, it was built between 1907 and 1908 as artists' cooperative housing,<ref name="NYCL-1423" /> and rises 16 stories with 34 studio units, some of them double-story units.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zimmer|first1=Lori|title=Gainsborough Studios|url=http://art-nerd.com/newyork/gainsborough-studios/|website=art-nerd.com|publisher=Art Nerd New York|access-date=February 21, 2018|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221101242/http://art-nerd.com/newyork/gainsborough-studios/|url-status=live}}</ref> The facade has a bust of the English painter [[Thomas Gainsborough]], a [[bas-relief]] by [[Isidore Konti]], and tile murals by [[Henry Chapman Mercer]]. It is a New York City designated landmark.<ref name="NYCL-1423">{{cite web|date=February 16, 1988|title=Gainsborough Studios|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1423.pdf|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|page=1|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005162301/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1423.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Stephens|first=Suzanne|date=September 15, 1988|title=Currents; The Old Is Made New Again|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/15/garden/currents-the-old-is-made-new-again.html|access-date=October 26, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029175615/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/15/garden/currents-the-old-is-made-new-again.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

To the east of 240 Central Park South and the Gainsborough Studios is [[220 Central Park South]], a 70-story residential skyscraper designed by [[Robert A.M. Stern Architects]] and [[SLCE Architects]], and completed in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=220 Central Park South – The Skyscraper Center|url=http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/220-central-park-south/11182|access-date=March 29, 2015|work=skyscrapercenter.com|archive-date=November 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103175149/http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/220-central-park-south/11182|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=220 Central Park South|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/267713/220-central-park-south-new-york-city-ny-usa|access-date=October 27, 2020|publisher=Emporis|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031080808/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/267713/220-central-park-south-new-york-city-ny-usa|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Villas at 220 Central Park South|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/1536309/the-villas-at-220-central-park-south-new-york-city-ny-usa|access-date=October 27, 2020|publisher=Emporis|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031083001/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/1536309/the-villas-at-220-central-park-south-new-york-city-ny-usa|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The building contains some of the most expensive residences ever sold in New York City.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Clarke|first=Katherine|date=November 2, 2018|title=As Manhattan's Most Secretive Skyscraper Rises, a Super-Elite Clientele Emerges|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-manhattans-most-secretive-skyscraper-rises-a-super-elite-clientele-emerges-1541170830|access-date=October 27, 2020|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=October 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014005343/https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-manhattans-most-secretive-skyscraper-rises-a-super-elite-clientele-emerges-1541170830|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 58th Street, east of 220 Central Park South, are two New York City designated landmarks: the Helen Miller Gould Stable and the firehouse of Engine Company 23.<ref name="AIA5 p. 308" /> The four-story horse stable, at 213 West 58th Street, was designed by [[York and Sawyer]] in the French Renaissance style for wealthy philanthropist [[Helen Miller Gould]].<ref name="AIA5 p. 308" /><ref name="NYCL-1564" />{{rp|1–2}}<ref name="nyt20081207">{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=December 5, 2008|title=Where the Horses Slept and the Cars Idled)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/realestate/07scapes.html|access-date=October 27, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213223017/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/realestate/07scapes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Completed in 1902–1903 on the site of an existing stable,<ref name="NYCL-1564">{{cite web|date=August 29, 1989|title=(Former) Helen Miller Gould Stable|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1564.pdf|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512171150/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1564.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|2}} the stable became [[Allan Murray (ice hockey)|Allan Murray]]'s shoe shop in the 1950s, and has served as the Unity Center of Practical Christianity since 1982.<ref name="NYCL-1564" />{{rp|4}}<ref name="nyt20081207" /> It has a limestone base with a large entrance arch; a limestone-and-brick facade on the second and third stories; a bracketed [[cornice]] over the third story; and a [[hip roof]] on the fourth story, with a [[dormer]] window.<ref name="NYCL-1564" />{{rp|3–4}} The stable was one of several on that block of West 58th Street in the early 20th century, and is the only remaining former stable on the block.<ref name="NYCL-1563" />{{rp|1}}

The adjoining firehouse of Engine Company 23, at 215 West 58th Street, was designed by Alexander H. Stevens (the [[New York City Fire Department]]'s superintendent of buildings<ref name="NYCL-1563" />{{rp|3}}) in the [[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts style]].<ref name="AIA5 p. 308" /><ref name="NYCL-1563">{{cite web|date=August 29, 1989|title=Engine Company Number 23|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1563.pdf|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729023402/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1563.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|1}} It was constructed between 1905 and 1906 to replace a former firehouse at 233 West 58th Street, now taken up by the 240 Central Park South apartment building.<ref name="NYCL-1563" />{{rp|2}} The design contains an arched fire truck entrance at ground level; a limestone-and-brick facade on the second and third stories, with two small windows flanking a large window on each story; a bracket above the second story; and a [[parapet]] atop the third story.<ref name="NYCL-1563" />{{rp|4–5}} The building remains an active firehouse of the FDNY.<ref>{{cite FDNY locations}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Engine Company 23|website=FDNYtrucks.com|url=http://www.fdnytrucks.com/files/html/manhattan/e23.htm|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020100529/http://fdnytrucks.com/files/html/manhattan/e23.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 3, 4, 5, and 6 Columbus Circle ===
[[File:US Rubber 1790 Bwy west jeh.jpg|thumb|U.S. Rubber Headquarters at 1790 [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]] in 2010]]
3, 4, 5, and 6 Columbus Circle are the numbers given to four buildings on the south side of 58th Street. From east to west, the buildings are numbered 5, 3, 4, and 6 Columbus Circle.<ref name="google-maps" />

[[5 Columbus Circle]] (also known by its address, 1790 Broadway),<ref name="cpexec">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpexecutive.com/post/nordstroms-future-new-york-store-is-an-eyecatcher/|title=Nordstrom's Future New York Store is an Eyecatcher|last=Neamt|first=Ioana|date=February 18, 2016|website=Commercial Property Executive|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044445/https://www.cpexecutive.com/post/nordstroms-future-new-york-store-is-an-eyecatcher/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> is a {{Convert|286|ft|m|adj=on}}, 20-story tower on the southeast corner of Broadway and 58th Street.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/115772/u-s-rubber-company-building-new-york-city-ny-usa|title=U.S. Rubber Company Building, New York City|website=Emporis|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044730/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/115772/u-s-rubber-company-building-new-york-city-ny-usa|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=usurped}}</ref> It was originally built as the headquarters of the [[United States Rubber Company]] (U.S. Rubber) in 1912.<ref name="AIA5 p. 308" /><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/26/realestate/streetscapes-us-rubber-company-building-restoring-luster-to-a-1912-lady.html|title=Streetscapes: U.S. Rubber Company Building; Restoring Luster to a 1912 Lady|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=November 26, 1989|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044724/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/26/realestate/streetscapes-us-rubber-company-building-restoring-luster-to-a-1912-lady.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> It was part of Broadway's "Automobile Row" during the early 20th century.<ref name="nyt20000707">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/07/arts/street-of-automotive-dreams.html|title=Street of Automotive Dreams|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=July 7, 2000|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015095304/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/07/arts/street-of-automotive-dreams.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The lobby contains part of a [[flagship store]] for [[Nordstrom]], which extends into the [[Central Park Tower]] and 1776 Broadway.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/02/official-renderings-revealed-of-nordstrom-towers-retail-base-under-construction-at-217-west-57th-street.html|title=Official Renderings Revealed Of Nordstrom Tower's Retail Base Under Construction At 217 West 57th Street|last=Wilson|first=Reid|date=February 12, 2016|work=New York YIMBY|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015094936/https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/02/official-renderings-revealed-of-nordstrom-towers-retail-base-under-construction-at-217-west-57th-street.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ny.curbed.com/2016/2/12/11029528/central-park-towers-nordstrom-flagship-gets-its-first-render|title=Central Park Tower's Nordstrom Flagship Gets Its First Render|last=Warerkar|first=Tanay|date=February 12, 2016|work=Curbed NY|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044341/https://ny.curbed.com/2016/2/12/11029528/central-park-towers-nordstrom-flagship-gets-its-first-render|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Between Eighth Avenue and Broadway on the south side of 58th Street is 3 Columbus Circle (also 1775 Broadway), a {{Convert|310|ft|m|adj=on}}, 26-story tower.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/115095/3-columbus-circle-new-york-city-ny-usa|title=3 Columbus Circle, New York City|website=Emporis|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044249/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/115095/3-columbus-circle-new-york-city-ny-usa|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=usurped}}</ref> It is occupied by [[Young & Rubicam]], [[Bank of America]], [[Chase Bank]], and [[Gilder Gagnon Howe & Co.]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://therealdeal.com/new-research/topics/property/3-columbus-circle/|title=3 Columbus Circle|work=The Real Deal New York|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015051352/https://therealdeal.com/new-research/topics/property/3-columbus-circle/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The tower sits atop a 3-story structure called the Colonnade Building.<ref name="nyt20080220">{{Cite news|url=https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/switching-brands-in-the-skyline/?_r=0|title=Switching Brands in the Skyline|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=February 20, 2008|work=City Room|access-date=October 14, 2017|publisher=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044426/https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/switching-brands-in-the-skyline/?_r=0|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1921/02/27/112673865.pdf|title=Colonnade Building at Columbus Circle Will Be Important Commercial Improvement|date=February 27, 1921|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017}}</ref> The first three stories were built in 1923 and the top 23 stories were added in 1927–1928.<ref name="AIA5 p. 307">{{harvnb|White|Willensky|Leadon|2010|ps=.|p=307}}</ref> During the expansion, the original building's three-story [[Ionic order|Ionic]] supports were kept.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201926%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201926%2520-%25200664.pdf|title=Noyes & Co. Close $24,000,000 Deal|date=February 9, 1926|work=Brooklyn Standard Union|page=16|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref name="nyt20080220" /> The new expansion, designed by [[Shreve & Lamb]],<ref name="AIA5 p. 307" /> hosted [[General Motors]]' headquarters from 1927<ref name="nyt20000707" /><ref name="nyt19990915">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/15/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-developer-stepping-up-its-activity-west-midtown-area.html|title=Commercial Real Estate; Developer Is Stepping Up Its Activity in West Midtown Area|last=Oser|first=Alan S.|date=September 15, 1999|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015095217/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/15/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-developer-stepping-up-its-activity-west-midtown-area.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> to 1968.<ref name="nyt19990915" /><ref name="nydn20150730">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/neon-cnn-sign-removed-columbus-circle-perch-10-ye-article-1.2309259|title=Neon CNN sign removed from Columbus Circle perch after 10 years|last=Clarke|first=Katherine|date=July 30, 2015|work=NY Daily News|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015052901/http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/neon-cnn-sign-removed-columbus-circle-perch-10-ye-article-1.2309259|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1969, [[Midtown Realty]] purchased the building's lease, and in 1980, acquired the land. Half of the building was leased by [[Bankers Trust]] until the late 1980s,<ref name="nyt19990915" /> and [[Newsweek]] leased a third of the building from 1994<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/1999/08/26/newsweek-building-sold-for-140-million/|title=Newsweek Building Sold for $140 Million|last=Piskora|first=Beth|date=August 26, 1999|work=New York Post|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015094906/http://nypost.com/1999/08/26/newsweek-building-sold-for-140-million/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> until 2006.<ref name="nyp20071227">{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2007/12/27/broadway-bonanza/|title=Broadway Bonanza|last=Cuozzo|first=Steve|date=December 27, 2007|work=New York Post|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015094933/http://nypost.com/2007/12/27/broadway-bonanza/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> When the [[Moinian Group]] purchased the building in 2000,<ref name="nyt20080220" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB935467313142066710|title=David Werner Is Set to Purchase Manhattan's Newsweek Building|last=Strassel|first=Kimberley A.|date=August 25, 1999|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=October 14, 2017|issn=0099-9660|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015150305/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB935467313142066710|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> the building assumed its current name;<ref name="nyt20080220" /><ref name="nyp20071227" /> a subsequent renovation refurbished the exterior and removed all remnants of the Colonnade Building.<ref name="nyt20080220" /> A [[neon sign]] for CNN was located on the roof of the building from the mid-2000s to 2015.<ref name="nydn20150730" /> A Nordstrom annex is at the base of 3 Columbus Circle.<ref name="cpexec" />

4 Columbus Circle, an eight-story low-rise located at 989 Eighth Avenue at the southwest corner of the intersection with 58th Street, was built in the late 1980s. [[Swanke Hayden Connell Architects]] designed the building, which houses the furniture company [[Steelcase]] on the upper floors and a [[Duane Reade]] and a [[Starbucks]] on the ground floor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://therealdeal.com/new-research/topics/property/4-columbus-circle/|title=4 Columbus Circle|work=The Real Deal New York|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015120412/https://therealdeal.com/new-research/topics/property/4-columbus-circle/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Cerberus Capital Management]] bought the building in 2006 for $82.9 million. In 2011, it was sold to German real estate firm [[GLL Real Estate Partners]] for $96.5 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110803/REAL_ESTATE/110809963/germans-pay-96-5m-for-4-columbus-circle|title=Germans pay $96.5M for 4 Columbus Circle|last=Fung|first=Amanda|date=August 3, 2011|work=Crain's New York Business|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405105155/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110803/REAL_ESTATE/110809963/germans-pay-96-5m-for-4-columbus-circle|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Directly to the west is 6 Columbus Circle, an 88-room, 12-floor [[boutique hotel]] called 6 Columbus.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/travel/01transhotel.html|title=Anticipation Builds, and Builds Some More, for Latest Chic New York Hotel|last=Conlin|first=Jennifer|date=July 1, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015095237/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/travel/01transhotel.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Acquired by the [[Pomeranc Group]] in 2007,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.6sqft.com/see-how-6-columbus-circle-could-change-the-central-park-skyline/|title=See How 6 Columbus Circle Could Change the Central Park Skyline|last=Hylton|first=Ondel|date=January 12, 2016|website=6sqft|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044519/https://www.6sqft.com/see-how-6-columbus-circle-could-change-the-central-park-skyline/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> the hotel was put on sale in December 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/12/6-columbus-circle-hotel-site-hits-the-market-expected-to-fetch-88-9m/|title=6 Columbus Circle Hotel Site Hits the Market, Expected to Fetch $88.9M|date=December 1, 2015|work=Commercial Observer|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015044414/https://commercialobserver.com/2015/12/6-columbus-circle-hotel-site-hits-the-market-expected-to-fetch-88-9m/|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A {{Convert|700|ft|m|-tall|adj=mid}} tower is planned for the site.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/01/vision-a-700-foot-tall-tower-for-6-columbus-circle.html|title=Vision: A 700-Foot-Tall Tower for 6 Columbus Circle?|last=Baird-Remba|first=Rebecca|date=January 8, 2016|work=New York YIMBY|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015094912/https://newyorkyimby.com/2016/01/vision-a-700-foot-tall-tower-for-6-columbus-circle.html|archive-date=October 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Transportation ==
The {{NYC bus link|M5|M7|M10|M20|M104|prose=y}} [[New York City Bus|buses]] all serve the circle, with the M5, M7, M20 and M104 providing through service and the southbound M10 terminating near the circle.<ref>{{cite NYC bus map|M}}</ref> Under the circle is the [[New York City Subway]]'s [[59th Street–Columbus Circle station]], served by the {{NYCS trains|Columbus Circle}}.<ref>{{NYCS const|map}}</ref>

== Cultural significance ==
[[File:Colin Campbell Cooper - Columbus Circle.JPG|thumb|[[Colin Campbell Cooper]]'s 1909 [[Impressionism|impressionist]] portrait, ''Columbus Circle'', part of the  [[Allentown Art Museum]] collection in [[Allentown, Pennsylvania]]]]
===Geographic center===
Columbus Circle is the traditional municipal [[kilometre zero|zero-mile point]] from which all official city distances are measured,<ref name="Jacobs 2009" /> although [[Google Maps]] uses [[New York City Hall]] for this purpose.<ref>{{cite news|last=Garlock|first=Stephanie|date=June 27, 2014|title=The Sign Says You've Got 72 Miles to Go Before the End of Your Road Trip. It's Lying.|url=http://www.citylab.com/navigator/2014/06/the-sign-says-youve-got-25-miles-to-go-before-new-york-its-lying/373322/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127231501/http://www.citylab.com/navigator/2014/06/the-sign-says-youve-got-25-miles-to-go-before-new-york-its-lying/373322/|archive-date=January 27, 2017|access-date=October 12, 2017|newspaper=Bloomberg}}</ref> For decades, [[Hagstrom Map|Hagstrom]] sold maps that showed the areas within {{convert|25|mi|0}}<ref>{{Citation|title=Hagstrom 25-mile radius from Columbus Circle, New York City|date=1984|url=https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=87694195&searchType=1&permalink=y|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013072054/https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=87694195&searchType=1&permalink=y|others=Hagstrom Map Company|publisher=Hagstrom Map Co|isbn=0-88097-122-3|access-date=October 13, 2017|archive-date=October 13, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> or {{convert|75|mi|0}} from Columbus Circle.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Company|first=Hagstrom Map|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wQvenQEACAAJ|title=Hagstrom 75-Mile Radius Map: From Columbus Circle, NYC|date=March 1, 2006|publisher=Hagstrom Map Company, Incorporated|isbn=978-1-59245-983-4}}</ref>

The travel area for recipients of a [[C-2 visa]], which is issued for the purpose of immediate and continuous transit to or from the [[headquarters of the United Nations]], is limited to a 25-mile radius of Columbus Circle.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shribman|first=David|date=June 8, 1982|title=Justice Dept. Denies 315 Visas for U.N. Disarmament Session|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/08/nyregion/justice-dept-denies-315-visas-for-un-disarmament-session.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010104710/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/08/nyregion/justice-dept-denies-315-visas-for-un-disarmament-session.html|archive-date=October 10, 2017|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The same circle coincidentally defines the city's "[[Media in New York City#Film|film]] zone" that local unions operate in, a counterpart to Los Angeles' [[studio zone]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Prevost|first=Lisa|date=February 16, 2003|title=Lights! Camera! Action! Location Fees!|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/16/realestate/lights-camera-action-location-fees.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011182533/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/16/realestate/lights-camera-action-location-fees.html|archive-date=October 11, 2017|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=25 Mile Studio Zone Map|url=http://www.nj.gov/state/njfilm/pdf/maps-25-mile-studio-zone.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428192952/http://www.nj.gov/state/njfilm/pdf/maps-25-mile-studio-zone.pdf|archive-date=April 28, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2017|website=State of New Jersey Department of State}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2005|title=Theatrical Agreement|url=https://www.sagaftra.org/files/2005theatricalagreement.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013120622/https://www.sagaftra.org/files/2005theatricalagreement.pdf|archive-date=October 13, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2017|website=[[SAG-AFTRA]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 2015|title=Economic & Fiscal Impact of the Nassau County Film Industry|url=https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13063|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130908/https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13063|archive-date=October 11, 2017|access-date=October 11, 2017|website=www.nassaucountyny.gov|pages=3–4}}</ref> The New York City government [[employee handbook]] considers a trip beyond a 75-mile radius from Columbus Circle as long-distance travel.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2017|title=FAQs: Directive #6 – Travel, Meals, Lodging, and Miscellaneous Agency Expenses|url=https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/Directive-6-FAQs-Final.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013065610/https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/Directive-6-FAQs-Final.pdf|archive-date=October 13, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2017|website=The New York City Office of The Comptroller}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2016|title=City Vehicle Driver Handbook|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/fleet/city_vehicle_driver_handbook.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013065226/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/fleet/city_vehicle_driver_handbook.pdf|archive-date=October 13, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2017|website=The City of New York}}</ref>

=== As a center for soapbox orators ===
The circle became known as a center for [[soapbox]] orators in the early-mid 20th century,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Emery|first=Steuart M.|date=October 11, 1925|title=Hyde Park Has a Rival in New York; Soap-Box Nights in Columbus Circle|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/11/archives/hyde-park-has-a-rival-in-new-york-soapbox-nights-in-columbus-circle.html|access-date=June 12, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613034023/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/11/archives/hyde-park-has-a-rival-in-new-york-soapbox-nights-in-columbus-circle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> comparable to [[Speakers' Corner|Speakers Corner]] in London.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stevenson|first=L.L.|date=April 20, 1939|title=Lights of New York|page=8|newspaper=San Jose Evening News|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1983&dat=19390420&id=TKExAAAAIBAJ&pg=987,1891396|access-date=June 12, 2020|via=Google News Archive Search}}</ref> It became a home particularly for non-leftists in contrast to [[Union Square, Manhattan|Union Square]], and for a time in the late 1930s it became a home to a number of far right speakers.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Carleton|first=William G.|date=1960|title=The Passing of Bughouse Square|url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/4610260|journal=The Antioch Review|volume=20|issue=3|pages=282–293|doi=10.2307/4610260|issn=0003-5769|jstor=4610260|access-date=June 13, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613153825/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4610260|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The area sometimes had a poor reputation for [[Crank (person)|cranks]] and [[Open-air preaching|street preachers]], the "lunatic fringe whose tub-thumping make a nightmare of Columbus Circle" condemned by a New York Court of Appeals ruling in a case related to elsewhere in the city,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Appeals|first=New York (State) Court of|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v7HObljPXb0C&pg=RA1-PA304|title=New York Court of Appeals. Records and Briefs.|date=1948|language=en|access-date=June 13, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625161537/https://books.google.com/books?id=v7HObljPXb0C&pg=RA1-PA304|url-status=live}}</ref> that prompted [[#Mid-20th century configurations|mid-20th century configurations]],<ref name="nyt19410510" /> but was also sometimes showcased by the national government as a rambunctious symbol of American freedom of speech.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Palmer|first=Alfred T.|date=1941|title=The four freedoms. Freedom of speech is still the way of the land. Here is Columbus Circle, famous New York promenade' a "soap box" orator is giving forth his theories. A few steps away may be another unsung genius who, likely as not, will proceed to tear down everything his predecessor has said|url=https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017699127/|access-date=June 12, 2020|website=www.loc.gov|language=en|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613234550/https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017699127/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=United States. War Department|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TquHip8-6lgC&pg=PP12|title=Armed Forces Talk|author2=United States. Department of the Army|publisher=War Department|year=1952|page=12|language=en|issue=407|access-date=June 13, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812193358/https://books.google.com/books?id=TquHip8-6lgC&pg=PP12|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== In popular culture ===
Columbus Circle was featured in the 1954 romantic comedy film ''[[It Should Happen to You]]'', in which [[Judy Holliday]]'s character, Gladys Glover, began her quest for fame by renting a large billboard overlooking Columbus Circle.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judy Holliday in It Should Happen to You|website=MoMA|date=July 14, 2016|url=https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2016/07/14/judy-holliday-in-it-should-happen-to-you/|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203132406/https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2016/07/14/judy-holliday-in-it-should-happen-to-you/|archive-date=February 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''USS Maine Memorial'', was featured in the 1976 movie ''[[Taxi Driver]]'', where [[Robert De Niro]]'s character was thwarted in an attempt to assassinate a presidential nominee.<ref>{{cite web|last=Carr|first=Nick|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-carr/new-york-youve-changed-ta_b_320520.html|title=New York, You've Changed: Taxi Driver, Part III|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=September 27, 2018|quote=Charlie goes to the Palantine rally at Columbus Circle in what proves to be a failed attempt to assassinate the candidate:|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717104704/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-carr/new-york-youve-changed-ta_b_320520.html|archive-date=July 17, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Columbus Circle was featured in the 1984 movie ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' as the place where the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man manifests and then walks up Central Park West.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onthesetofnewyork.com/ghostbusters.html|title=otsony|website=otsony.com|access-date=January 9, 2023|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228062908/http://onthesetofnewyork.com/ghostbusters.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The shooting of [[Joseph Colombo]] in Columbus Circle by Jerome A. Johnson in 1971 was featured in the 2019 film ''[[The Irishman]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/go/284428|title=Martin Scorsese's The Irishman Glosses Over a Key Point|website=Den of Geek}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a30061890/joseph-crazy-joe-gallo-the-irishman-true-story/|title=Here's the True Story of 'Crazy Joe' Gallo From 'The Irishman'|first=Gabrielle|last=Bruney|date=December 1, 2019|website=Esquire|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202192058/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a30061890/joseph-crazy-joe-gallo-the-irishman-true-story/|archive-date=December 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Starting in seasons 6 of the TV show ''[[The Venture Bros.]]'', the Venture family relocates to a skyscraper located on Columbus Circle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/01/the-venture-bros-blew-up-its-universe-moved-to-nyc-and-stayed-as-fun-as-ever/|title=The Venture Bros. blew up its universe, moved to NYC—and stayed as fun as ever|website=arstechnica.com|date=January 30, 2016 }}</ref>

== Gallery ==
{{Wide image|Columbus Circle, New York c1907 LC-DIG-ppmsca-05881.jpg|960px|{{center|Columbus Circle, {{circa|1907}}}}}}

<gallery class="center" caption="Around Columbus Circle today">
File:Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) - NYC (51395616531).jpg|The [[Museum of Arts & Design]] at [[2 Columbus Circle]]
File:USS Maine National Monument.jpg|The [[USS Maine National Monument|USS ''Maine'' National Monument]] at the Merchant's Gate entrance to [[Central Park]]
File:4118-NYC-Columbus Circle.JPG|The [[Trump International Hotel and Tower (New York City)|Trump International Hotel and Tower]]
File:Time Warner Center May 2010.JPG|The [[Deutsche Bank Center]], which replaced the [[New York Coliseum]], while it was still known as the Time Warner Center
File:Looking south along 8th Avenue from Columbus Circle.jpg|[[220 Central Park South]] (2018) rises above [[240 Central Park South]] (1939)
</gallery>

== References ==
'''Explanatory notes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Citations'''
{{reflist}}

'''Bibliography'''
* {{Cite enc-nyc2}}
* {{Cite aia5}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Columbus Circle}}
* [https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/highlights/7738 NYC Parks Department – Columbus Circle]
* [http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=all&source=~!siartinventories&uri=full=3100001~!7633~!0#focus Smithsonian's Inventory of American Sculpture Entry]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/19970502180345/http://www.nyctourist.com/history1.htm New York City History – Columbus Circle]}}

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[[Category:Columbus Circle| ]]
[[Category:1905 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:59th Street (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Broadway (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Central Park]]
[[Category:Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Kilometre-zero markers]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials to Christopher Columbus]]
[[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan]]
[[Category:Roundabouts and traffic circles in the United States]]
[[Category:Streets in Manhattan]]