Built in the early twentieth century, this famous skyscraper is still on the list of the fifty tallest buildings in America. Its height is 241 meters and the number of floors is fifty-seven.
The Woolworth Building stands on Broadway between Park Place and Barclay Street. The building was commissioned by American businessman Frank Woolworth and designed by architect Cass Gilbert in the Gothic style. At the time of its completion, the tower was the tallest building in New York City, and one of the most unusual.
The mosaics, gilding, and frescoes are all suggestive of a temple. It is no coincidence that the tower was nicknamed the “Cathedral of Commerce.”
Externally, the skyscraper resembles Gothic cathedrals not only in outline, but also in the luxurious rich terracotta cladding, and its towering tower is decorated with gargoyles and tracery.
The interior of the skyscraper also references medieval European Gothic. For example, we can see stylized sculptures of the owner or architect of the Woolworth Building. The mosaics, gilding and frescoes all suggest associations with a temple. It’s no coincidence that this tower was nicknamed the “Cathedral of Commerce.”
The tower was owned by Woolworth and his company until 1998, when it was sold to the Witkoff Group. After the 9/11 attacks, some of the rooms of artistic and historical value are now off-limits to tourists. The building now houses the offices of various companies and educational institutions.