Built between 1961 and 1964, they are notable for rising from concrete platforms directly above the Trans-Manhattan Expressway on its approach to the George Washington Bridge.

They are built directly above the 12-lane[2] Trans-Manhattan Expressway on its approach to the George Washington Bridge, on top of four concrete platforms that serve as the buildings' foundations.

[2][3] Architecturally, the buildings' placement over an expressway have a precedent in the early 20th century work of Le Corbusier and Antonio Sant'Elia.

[4] The air rights of the Trans-Manhattan Expressway were transferred from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (which manages the George Washington Bridge) to the city in 1960.

[2] The provisions of the Mitchell–Lama program expired after 20 years, allowing the development to be privatized, and in 1987, the buildings were purchased by a group of real-estate investors led by Mendel Schwimmer and David Bastricer.