The Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building, an iconic skyscraper in New York City, was once the tallest building in the world and is a significant part of the city’s architectural history.

• The Woolworth Building was completed on April 24, 1913.
• Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the Woolworth Building was commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth, the founder of the F.W. Woolworth Company, as the company’s headquarters. The building stands at 792 feet (241 meters) tall and has 60 floors. It was constructed in the neo-Gothic style, featuring ornate terra cotta detailing and a distinctively elaborate lobby. The building cost approximately $13.5 million, which Woolworth paid in cash.
• Trivial Facts: At the time of its completion, the Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world, a title it held until 1930 when the Chrysler Building was completed. It was nicknamed the “Cathedral of Commerce” due to its Gothic architecture and the fact that it was a symbol of the booming American economy at the time.
• Effects on Pop Culture: The Woolworth Building has been featured in various films, television shows, and other forms of popular culture, solidifying its status as an iconic New York City landmark. It has also inspired other neo-Gothic skyscrapers around the world.
• Prominent People: Frank W. Woolworth, the founder of the F.W. Woolworth Company, commissioned the building, and Cass Gilbert, a notable American architect, designed it. The Woolworth Building was one of Gilbert’s most famous works, and he went on to design other prominent buildings such as the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.
• Countries Involved: The Woolworth Building is located in the United States, specifically in New York City, which has long been a hub for architectural innovation and iconic structures.

In summary, the Woolworth Building, completed in 1913, was once the tallest building in the world and remains an iconic part of New York City’s architectural landscape. Commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth and designed by Cass Gilbert, the neo-Gothic skyscraper has played a significant role in pop culture and inspired similar structures worldwide.