Thousands of tourists and locals walk past the building every day, between City Hall and the 9/11 Memorial, without even looking at. This building is one of many in New York City and a small one in comparison with the towering structures around it.
The Woolworth Building served as offices for the company and was the tallest building at its time. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect behind the United States Supreme Court and the New York Life buildings, the Woolworth was completed in 1913.
The 60-story building was designed in the Neo-Gothic style, with figures carved into windows on the exterior, each different. It cost a total of $13.5 million (paid in cash!) to build and was meant to be an icon for owner Frank W. Woolworth to show off the success of his five-and-dime stores to all of New York.
Two grand entrances on each side featured revolving tours, letting in plenty of light. It was designed as a cruciform. There was once an observation deck, but it closed in 1941. Today it is still closed to the public and will soon become private apartments along with most of the upper floors.
Despite the fact that the upper floors are inaccessible, the lobby is truly the crown jewel of the building. After years of tourists blocking the walkways, visitors can now only visit the lobby by booking a tour in advance. This is also the best way to understand all the details that went into the Woolworth building.
Upon entering, you first see the Romanesque-style vaulted ceilings with custom made tile work. Murals called Labor and Commerce join sculptures, including ones of Gilbert and Woolworth. Only a small portion of the building was used by the Woolworth corporation and the rest was rented out to generate additional income.
Tiffany-designed elevators are found throughout and a subway train once rode through the basement, making commuting a breeze. The building also previously had a shopping arcade, gym, barber shop, bar, and restaurant. Today you’ll find tenants like New York University, TTA Inc., and a bank.
If you’re looking for something unique to add to your New York City, or you’re an architecture lover who wants to see a building from the city’s glory days, book a tour with Woolworth Tours. And while one hour sounds like a long time to be in the lobby, it’s fascinating. Next time, I’ll do the 90 minute tour!
If You Go
The Woolworth Building is located at 233 Broadway, New York, New York. The only way to see the lobby and other parts of the building are via private tour or if you know someone who works there. Woolworth Building Tours offer 30, 60 and 90-minute tours, each with their own levels of entry, costing $20, $30 and $45 USD.
Fans of the Harry Potter series should note that the Woolworth Building serves as the site of the Magical Congress of the United States of America in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
This is really great architecture. The building looks a little bit massive, but with those high ceilings and those ornaments the archtiects created a balance. I like the skyscrapers of this time and the following two decades.