Three "World's Tallest Buildings"
Photographed circa 1919, the Woolworth Building in Lower Manhattan was, at the time, the tallest building in the world; a status it retained for 17 years after its construction in 1913. Known popularly as "The Cathedral of Commerce," the Woolworth still stands today - as imposing and impressive as ever - at the intersection of Broadway, Park Place and Barclay Street.
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In the picture are two other early skyscrapers that also at one time held the distinction of being the World's Tallest Building. At left, with its twin cupolas, is the Park Row Building. It was constructed in 1899, and was World's Tallest until the completion of the Philadelphia City Hall in 1901. In 1908, the Singer Building (in the background with the domed tower) brought the title back to New York where it was held by various skyscrapers until 1974, although the Singer itself was World's Tallest for one year only. The Singer stood at the corner of Broadway and Liberty Street until 1968, and remains to this day the tallest building ever razed.
click image to enlarge
In the picture are two other early skyscrapers that also at one time held the distinction of being the World's Tallest Building. At left, with its twin cupolas, is the Park Row Building. It was constructed in 1899, and was World's Tallest until the completion of the Philadelphia City Hall in 1901. In 1908, the Singer Building (in the background with the domed tower) brought the title back to New York where it was held by various skyscrapers until 1974, although the Singer itself was World's Tallest for one year only. The Singer stood at the corner of Broadway and Liberty Street until 1968, and remains to this day the tallest building ever razed.