Woolworth Building

Location & Contact:

233 Broadway
New York, NY 10279
212-233-2720
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Description:

The Woolworth Building was commissioned in 1910 by Frank W. Woolworth, the head of a multi-million dollar chain of five-and-ten-cent stores. This was to be the headquarters of his vast empire, and as such, Woolworth wanted to the building to reflect not only the company's success, but the success of twentieth-century commerce as well. This building had to be a true "cathedral of commerce."

The Woolworth Building artfully avoids the common subdivisions of base, shaft and capital. The main tower, at the front and center of the building, rises with only three minor setbacks, capped by a pyramidal roof. As a whole, the tower seems to rise in one soaring vertical mass. The minor setbacks only accentuate the sense of height.

Essentially, the Woolworth Building is a thirty-story tower set upon a thirty story base. Vertical bays of windows and gothic-style spandrels are set off from one another by vertical piers that are meant to express the structure of the building.

Hours:

Monday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Photos