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Construction

Grace Building

Grace Building

Grace Building The Grace Building, a 50-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, was built for W.R. Grace & Company — one of the most notorious companies in asbestos history. Grace was a major supplier of asbestos-containing construction products, including Zonolite insulation, and its own headquarters building used these materials extensively.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
New York, NY
Industry
Commercial Construction
Exposure Era
1971–1974
Primary Asbestos Products
Spray-on fireproofing, Pipe insulation, Floor tiles, Ceiling tiles, Zonolite insulation
Job Categories at Risk
Construction workers, Maintenance workers, Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC technicians, Demolition workers

History & Asbestos Use

Completed in 1974 for W.R. Grace & Company, the building bears the name of a corporation that became synonymous with asbestos liability. W.R. Grace's subsidiary, Grace Construction Products, manufactured and distributed asbestos-containing fireproofing and insulation used in buildings across the country, including its own headquarters. The company's Libby, Montana vermiculite mine was the source of some of the most deadly asbestos contamination in U.S. history. W.R. Grace filed for bankruptcy in 2001 due to asbestos liabilities and established a trust fund for claimants.

Exposure Details

The Grace Building was constructed with asbestos-containing fireproofing materials, including products manufactured by W.R. Grace's own construction products division. Spray-on fireproofing, pipe and duct insulation, and ceiling materials contained asbestos fibers. Construction workers and subsequent maintenance and renovation crews were exposed to these materials during installation, repair, and removal activities.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Grace Building had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Construction workers
  • Maintenance workers
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • HVAC technicians
  • Demolition workers

Health Effects

Workers who constructed and maintained the Grace Building faced asbestos exposure from the very products that generated billions of dollars in liability for its namesake company. Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis have been linked to W.R. Grace asbestos products used in buildings nationwide. Workers in the Grace Building's mechanical systems and those performing renovations faced the highest risk.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at Grace Building may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at Grace Building?

Workers who were employed at Grace Building between 1971–1974 may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

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Treatment Centers in New York

If you were exposed to asbestos at Grace Building and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System

New York, NY

Cancer Center
View Full Profile
NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the connection between the Grace Building and asbestos?

The Grace Building was the headquarters of W.R. Grace & Company, one of the largest manufacturers of asbestos-containing construction products in the United States. The building itself was constructed using asbestos-containing materials, including products made by Grace's own subsidiaries.

Did W.R. Grace establish an asbestos trust fund?

Yes. W.R. Grace filed for bankruptcy in 2001 due to massive asbestos liabilities and established the WRG Asbestos PI Trust to compensate individuals harmed by exposure to Grace asbestos products, including workers at the Grace Building and thousands of other sites.

What asbestos products did W.R. Grace manufacture?

W.R. Grace manufactured Zonolite attic insulation, Monokote spray-on fireproofing, and various other construction products containing asbestos from its vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. These products were used in millions of buildings across the country.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at Grace Building and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.
Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • W.R. Grace bankruptcy trust documents — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
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