Woolworth Building
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Architect: Cass Gilbert
Year Completed: 1913
Location: 233 Broadway, New York City, New York
Style: Gothic Revival
The Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1913. It held this title until the Chrysler Building was completed in 1930. It was financed by Frank Woolworth and was often called the "Cathedral of Commerce."
When Cass Gilbert was designing the Woolworth Building, he wanted to incorporate Gothic themes with the modern idea of a skyscraper. The result, termed Gothic Revival, features gargoyles, arches, and flying buttresses. The second picture above shows the elaborate detail in the entrance to the building.
Like the Equitable Building, this building was completed before New York City had zoning laws, and it has no setbacks.
The lobby features bronze work, terrazzo, marble, and a grand staircase. Also located in the lobby are sculpted caricatures of Frank Woolworth, Cass Gilbert, and Louis Horowitz, the builder. The sculpture of Woolworth shows him counting his dimes and nickels since he made his fortune selling great quantities of cheap inventory.