During the mid-1960s, in what the New York Times called "one of the most unusual Manhattan real estate transactions in recent years", developers of the new skyscraper decided to build around a Third Avenue establishment: P. J. Clarke's bar and restaurant.

[Local Law # 5 of 1973], more than just steel and concrete as safety measures, adequate fire protection and a process to safely evacuate a high-rise building were introduced as a means to protect property and provide life safety for the occupants.

Notable occupants of 919 Third Avenue include Jenner & Block, Schulte Roth & Zabel, Bloomberg L.P.[4] and Bloomingdale's.

In November 2024, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she would be moving her Manhattan office to the building.

[5] The building was also the home of the New York offices of law firms Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom until 1999, and of Debevoise & Plimpton until 2023.