Majestic Woolworth Building: NYCs Historic Skyscraper

The Woolworth Building, an iconic feat of early 20th-century architecture, was completed in 1913 and is one of the first skyscrapers in New York City. Standing at 792 feet, it was the tallest building in the world at the time, symbolizing the burgeoning power of American commerce. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the style reflects the Gothic revival, featuring elaborate terra cotta ornamentation and a distinctive tower topped with a soaring, steeply pitched roof. The building was commissioned by Frank Woolworth, the five-and-dime store magnate, who intended it to be a physical testament to his success and vision for affordable retailing.

This photograph captures the Woolworth Building in its formative years, a period when urban landscapes were rapidly changing due to industrial advancements and population growth. The use of glass negatives during this era allowed for high-quality images to document important structures like the Woolworth Building, showcasing architectural details that were often overlooked. The Bain News Service, responsible for this image, was well-known for its extensive photographic coverage of American life in the early 1900s, including significant commercial architecture that defined skylines across the nation. As a historical record, this photo not only highlights the building itself but also reflects the changing face of urban America during a time of great transformation.