Woolworth Building
NY
Owner
Frank Winfield Woolworth
Renovation Architect
Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects
SLCE Architects
Contractor
Turner Construction
Original Architect
Cass Gilbert
Interior Designer
The Office of Thierry W. Despont
Designations
New York City Exterior Landmark
Description Show more
F. W. Woolworth, an entrepreneur who had become successful because of his "Five-and-Dimes" (5- and 10-cent stores), began planning a new headquarters for the F. W. Woolworth Company in 1910. It was the tallest building in the world when it was completed at 792'. The title lasted 21 years. The skyscraper was unusual because it was financed entirely in cash. The highlight of the opening ceremony featured United States President Woodrow Wilson throwing a switch to illuminate the building. Much of the original terra-cotta cladding has since been replaced with cast stone.
The lobby is one of the most impressive in the city. It features a shining mosaic barrel vault, stained-glass skylight, marble walls, bronze fixtures, mezzanine murals entitled Labor and Commerce, and carved gargoyle representations of Gilbert, Woolworth, and other figures key to the design, engineering and construction of this landmark.
2012 In keeping with much of downtown's transformation to residential, building has become mixed use with the top 30 floors converted into 33 luxury condominiums including a five-level penthouse dubbed the “townhome in the sky.”
F. W. Woolworth, an entrepreneur who had become successful because of his "Five-and-Dimes" (5- and 10-cent stores), began planning a new headquarters for the F. W. Woolworth Company in 1910. It was the tallest building in the world when it was completed at 792'. The title lasted 21 years. The skyscraper was unusual because it was financed entirely in cash. The highlight of the opening ceremony featured United States President Woodrow Wilson throwing a switch to illuminate the building. Much of the original terra-cotta cladding has since been replaced with cast stone.
The lobby is one of the most impressive in the city. It features a shining mosaic barrel vault, stained-glass skylight, marble walls, bronze fixtures, mezzanine murals entitled Labor and Commerce, and carved gargoyle representations of Gilbert, Woolworth, and other figures key to the design, engineering and construction of this landmark.
2012 In keeping with much of downtown's transformation to residential, building has become mixed use with the top 30 floors converted into 33 luxury condominiums including a five-level penthouse dubbed the “townhome in the sky.”
Tours
The Commons - The Heart of New York City
Map View
Nearby
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