It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991 for the role the Charity Organization Society played in promoting progressive social welfare policies, including the development of academic disciplines in that area.

[7] In 1891, the New York City Consumers' League, founded by Josephine Shaw Lowell, Helen Campbell – author of the 1882 book The Problem of the Poor – and Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi, established its offices in the building.

[3] In the 1980s television show Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, the fictitious private detective's office was located on the second floor at the corner of Park Avenue and 22nd Street.

[9] Hawksmoor, a British steakhouse and cocktail bar, leased space at the United Charities Building in 2018[10] and moved there in late 2021.

[14] However, architecturally the building is described in the AIA Guide to New York City as "bulky and boring", with the comment that "even Robertson could occasionally produce a bland product.