The Woolworth Building, is a stunning Neo-Gothic skyscraper found at 233 Broadway in lower Manhattan. The Woolworth Building one of the 50 tallest buildings in the United States. It was built in 1913 and until the construction of 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building in 1930, it was offically the tallest in the U.S. It's still among the top 25 tallest buildings in NYC.
Designed by Cass Gilbert
One of the interesting facts about the Woolworth Building is that its architect was Cass Gilbert, an Ohioan who was also the architect for the U.S. Supreme Court building. He is considered a pioneer in the development of skyscrapers. Gilbert created thirty plans for the building over two years before he selected the one that became the final plan.
Commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth
Frank Woolworth pioneered the Woolworth Company, a chain of "5 and 10" stores. Upon commissioning the building, he paid for the $13,500,000 skyscraper in cold hard 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 wants had to be considered. He and Woolworth regularly differed over their different of what the building should look like.
Old Observation Deck
The observation platform was on the 57th floor, but was closed to the general public in 1945.
National Historic Landmark
The Woolwprth Building has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966.
Columbia Records
Beginning in 1913, Columbia Records was one of the first renters and had a famous 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 initial plan was it was only intended to be a 12 to 16 story office building at the corner of Broadway and Park Place, but Woolworth kept taking more real estate. The height of the building grew in the same way.
Caricatures
The Woolworth building's colonnade galleries are embellished with caricatures of the skyscraper's patrons. When rental agent Edward Hogan found out he was not among the caricatures created by Paul Jenewein, he was upset and insisted that his caricature be put in as well.
Designed by Cass Gilbert
One of the interesting facts about the Woolworth Building is that its architect was Cass Gilbert, an Ohioan who was also the architect for the U.S. Supreme Court building. He is considered a pioneer in the development of skyscrapers. Gilbert created thirty plans for the building over two years before he selected the one that became the final plan.
Commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth
Frank Woolworth pioneered the Woolworth Company, a chain of "5 and 10" stores. Upon commissioning the building, he paid for the $13,500,000 skyscraper in cold hard 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 wants had to be considered. He and Woolworth regularly differed over their different of what the building should look like.
Old Observation Deck
The observation platform was on the 57th floor, but was closed to the general public in 1945.
National Historic Landmark
The Woolwprth Building has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966.
Columbia Records
Beginning in 1913, Columbia Records was one of the first renters and had a famous 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 initial plan was it was only intended to be a 12 to 16 story office building at the corner of Broadway and Park Place, but Woolworth kept taking more real estate. The height of the building grew in the same way.
Caricatures
The Woolworth building's colonnade galleries are embellished with caricatures of the skyscraper's patrons. When rental agent Edward Hogan found out he was not among the caricatures created by Paul Jenewein, he was upset and insisted that his caricature be put in as well.
About the Author:
Jeff Myers has had an interest in famous Big Apple buildings like the Woolworth building for many years. He has written many articles about this this subject that can be read here.