Posts
The Woolworth Building, is a beautiful Neo-Gothic skyscraper at 233 Broadway in lower Manhattan. It is one of the fifty tallest buildings in the U.S.. It was built in 1913 and until the construction of 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building in 1930, it was the tallest in the country. The Woolworth Building is 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 designer was Cass Gilbert, an Ohioan who was also the architect for the U.S. Supreme Court building. Gilbert considered a leader in the construction of skyscrapers. Gilbert made about thrity plans for the building over the course of two years before he decided on the one that we see today.
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 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. Woolworth and Pierson frequently had animated debates over their different of what the building should look like.
Old Observation Deck
The observer's platform was built 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
In 1913, Columbia Records was one of the first tenants 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 designed in the baroque French Empire style and is decorated in marble.
Unplanned Heights
The original plan was that it was only intended to be around a twelve or sixteen story office building at the corner of Broadway and Park Place, but Woolworth kept taking more real estate. The height of the building grew accordingly.
Caricatures
The Woolworth building's colonnade galleries are adorned with caricatures of the skyscraper's patrons. When the rental agent Edward Hogan found out that he was not among the caricatures made by Paul Jenewein, he was vocally 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 designer was Cass Gilbert, an Ohioan who was also the architect for the U.S. Supreme Court building. Gilbert considered a leader in the construction of skyscrapers. Gilbert made about thrity plans for the building over the course of two years before he decided on the one that we see today.
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 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. Woolworth and Pierson frequently had animated debates over their different of what the building should look like.
Old Observation Deck
The observer's platform was built 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
In 1913, Columbia Records was one of the first tenants 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 designed in the baroque French Empire style and is decorated in marble.
Unplanned Heights
The original plan was that it was only intended to be around a twelve or sixteen story office building at the corner of Broadway and Park Place, but Woolworth kept taking more real estate. The height of the building grew accordingly.
Caricatures
The Woolworth building's colonnade galleries are adorned with caricatures of the skyscraper's patrons. When the rental agent Edward Hogan found out that he was not among the caricatures made by Paul Jenewein, he was vocally 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.