description Woolworth Building Overview
Designed by Cass Gilbert for retailer Frank W. Woolworth, the Woolworth Building stands at 233 Broadway in Lower Manhattan. Completed in 1913, it translates Gothic-inspired forms into a skyscraper exterior, using terra-cotta ornament and a tall crown with copper roofing. Its vertical emphasis and decorative detail distinguish it from towers whose identity depends primarily on unadorned steel-and-glass surfaces.
The building was the world's tallest until 1930 and originally contained offices and retail space, including Woolworth's corporate headquarters. It suits readers interested in the early development of the New York skyscraper and the use of historical architectural styles for modern commercial buildings. The combination of office function with Gothic ornament shows how a new building type could draw on an older visual language while expressing the ambitions of its commercial patron.
help Woolworth Building FAQ
Where is the Woolworth Building?
The Woolworth Building stands at 233 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is near City Hall Park and remains one of the most recognizable early skyscrapers in the city.
Who designed the Woolworth Building?
Architect Cass Gilbert designed the building for retailer Frank W. Woolworth. Its Gothic-inspired terra-cotta exterior was intended to give a commercial skyscraper the presence of a cathedral.
When was the Woolworth Building completed?
The building was completed in 1913. At completion it was a 57-story skyscraper and briefly held the title of the world's tallest building.
Why does the Woolworth Building have a copper-roofed crown?
The tall crown and Gothic ornament emphasize vertical height and make the tower visible from a distance. Its terra-cotta detailing and copper roof helped turn a commercial office building into an architectural landmark.
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