Woolworth Building

Woolworth Building
source
Name	Woolworth Building
Architect	Cass Gilbert
Location	New York City, Manhattan
Country	United States
Completed	1913
Height	792 feet

Woolworth Building. The Woolworth Building is an iconic skyscraper located in Manhattan, New York City, and was designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert. It was commissioned by Frank Winfield Woolworth, the founder of the F.W. Woolworth Company, and was completed in 1913. The building's construction was a significant event, with The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal covering its progress, and it was officially opened on April 24, 1913, with President Woodrow Wilson pressing a button in Washington, D.C. to turn on the building's lights.

● History

The Woolworth Building's history dates back to the early 20th century, when Frank Winfield Woolworth decided to build a new headquarters for his company, which had grown significantly since its founding in 1879. The building's design was influenced by Gothic architecture, with Cass Gilbert drawing inspiration from Cathedral of Notre-Dame and Chartres Cathedral. The building's construction was a major undertaking, with American Bridge Company and National Bridge Company working together to build the steel frame. The building was officially opened on April 24, 1913, with President Woodrow Wilson and Mayor William Jay Gaynor in attendance, and it quickly became a symbol of New York City's growth and prosperity, with The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal covering its opening.

● Architecture

The Woolworth Building's architecture is a prime example of Neo-Gothic architecture, with a distinctive terra cotta and limestone exterior. The building's design was influenced by Cass Gilbert's travels to Europe, where he studied the works of Auguste Rodin and Antoni Gaudí. The building's interior features a grand lobby with a mosaic ceiling, designed by René Chambellan and Hildreth Meière, and a elevator system designed by Otis Elevator Company. The building's skyscraper design was also influenced by the works of Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan, and it has been compared to other iconic buildings, such as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.

● Construction

The Woolworth Building's construction was a complex and challenging process, with Cass Gilbert and Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates working together to bring the design to life. The building's steel frame was constructed by American Bridge Company and National Bridge Company, with United States Steel Corporation providing the steel. The building's exterior was clad in terra cotta and limestone, with Guastavino Company providing the tile work. The building's construction required the use of innovative techniques, such as the use of cranes and derricks, and it was completed in just over two years, with a workforce of over 1,000 laborers, including Immigrant workers from Italy and Ireland.

● Tenants_and_Occupants

The Woolworth Building has been home to a variety of tenants and occupants over the years, including the F.W. Woolworth Company, which occupied the building's top floors. Other notable tenants have included National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, American Civil Liberties Union, and New York City Bar Association. The building has also been home to a number of law firms, including Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. The building's lobby has been used as a filming location for a number of movies and TV shows, including The Amazing Spider-Man and Person of Interest, and it has been featured in works by photographers such as Berenice Abbott and Ansel Adams.

● Preservation_and_Landmark_Status

The Woolworth Building was designated as a New York City landmark in 1983, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The building has undergone several restorations and renovations over the years, including a major restoration project in the 1980s, which was led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Beyer Blinder Belle. The building's lobby and elevator system have been restored to their original condition, and the building's exterior has been cleaned and repaired. The building is currently owned by Witkoff Group and Cammeby's International, and it is managed by Cushman & Wakefield.

● Cultural_Significance

The Woolworth Building has had a significant impact on American culture, and it has been featured in a number of works of art and literature, including F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and John Dos Passos's Manhattan Transfer. The building has also been the subject of numerous photographs and paintings, including works by Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen. The building's skyscraper design has influenced the development of modern architecture, and it has been compared to other iconic buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Burj Khalifa. The building's lobby has been used as a symbol of New York City's power and prestige, and it has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including The Wolf of Wall Street and Mad Men. Category:Skyscrapers