The Woolworth Building, is a beautiful Neo-Gothic skyscraper found at 233 Broadway in lower Manhattan. It is one of the 50 tallest buildings in the US. It was built in 1913 and until the completion of 40 Wall St and the Chrysler Building in 1930, Woolworth was actually the tallest in the U.S. The Woolworth Building is still among the top 25 tallest buildings in New York.
Designed by Cass Gilbert
One of the fun facts about the Woolworth Building is that its designer was Cass Gilbert, an Ohioan who was also the creator for the U.S. Supreme Court building. He is considered a leader in the construction of skyscrapers. Gilbert created thrity different plans for the building over a two year span before he decided on the one that we see today.
Commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth
Frank Woolworth created the Woolworth Company, a chain of "5 and 10" stores. Upon commissioning the building, he paid for the $13,500,000 skyscraper in cash.
Struggles with Lewis Pierson
The Woolworth building also housed the Irving Bank, whose president was Lewis Pierson. The Irving Bank was a major tenant and Pierson's desires had to be considered. Woolworth and Pierson regularly had animated discussions over their different of what the building should look like.
Old Observation Deck
The observer's platform was on the 57th floor, but was closed in 1945.
National Historic Landmark
The Woolwprth Building has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966.
Columbia Records
Starting in 1913, Columbia Records was one of the first renters and had a very well-known studio on the premises. The studio was in use as early as 1917.
Frank Woolworth's Private Office
The office is done in the baroque French Empire style and is decorated in marble.
Unplanned Heights
The original plan was that this was only meant to be a 12 to 16 story office building at the corner of Broadway and Park Place, but Woolworth kept taking more land. The height of the building grew accordingly.
Caricatures
The Woolworth building's colonnade galleries are adorned with caricatures of the skyscraper's champions. When rental agent Edward Hogan found out he wasn't among the caricatures produced by Paul Jenewein, he was very upset and insisted that his caricature be put in as well.
Designed by Cass Gilbert
One of the fun facts about the Woolworth Building is that its designer was Cass Gilbert, an Ohioan who was also the creator for the U.S. Supreme Court building. He is considered a leader in the construction of skyscrapers. Gilbert created thrity different plans for the building over a two year span before he decided on the one that we see today.
Commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth
Frank Woolworth created the Woolworth Company, a chain of "5 and 10" stores. Upon commissioning the building, he paid for the $13,500,000 skyscraper in cash.
Struggles with Lewis Pierson
The Woolworth building also housed the Irving Bank, whose president was Lewis Pierson. The Irving Bank was a major tenant and Pierson's desires had to be considered. Woolworth and Pierson regularly had animated discussions over their different of what the building should look like.
Old Observation Deck
The observer's platform was on the 57th floor, but was closed in 1945.
National Historic Landmark
The Woolwprth Building has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966.
Columbia Records
Starting in 1913, Columbia Records was one of the first renters and had a very well-known studio on the premises. The studio was in use as early as 1917.
Frank Woolworth's Private Office
The office is done in the baroque French Empire style and is decorated in marble.
Unplanned Heights
The original plan was that this was only meant to be a 12 to 16 story office building at the corner of Broadway and Park Place, but Woolworth kept taking more land. The height of the building grew accordingly.
Caricatures
The Woolworth building's colonnade galleries are adorned with caricatures of the skyscraper's champions. When rental agent Edward Hogan found out he wasn't among the caricatures produced by Paul Jenewein, he was very upset and insisted that his caricature be put in as well.
About the Author:
Jeff Myers has been fascinated by famous Manhattan buildings like the Woolworth building for a number of years. He has written many articles about this this topic that can be found here.
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