Reinventing New York's Woolworth Building

Once the world's tallest skyscraper, Manhattan's Woolworth Building has now been reinvented for a new age. For more by The B1M subscribe now - ow.ly/GxW7y
Read the full story on this video, including images and useful links, here: www.theb1m.com/video/reinventi...
Images courtesy of the New York Public Library, United States Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Google Earth, Andrew C Nelson, Alchemy Properties, Sarah Jacobs, Travis Mark, Keymur Khamar, Williams NY, Arun Sundar, Bob Jagandorf, Stephen Garone, Arman Dzidzovic, Brian Zak, Viewing NY, Ralph D'Angelo, Shaun Zenfolio, Unico, Penn State Library Pictures Collection, Evan Bindleglass, SLCE Architects, Craig Gibson, Richard Perry and Tribeca Citizen.
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[@Evercleverkar]

Being a New Yorker, this has always been my personal favorite building. Timeless beauty, monumental design, and a pillar to our city’s stoicism.

[@northfield9529]

🤣

[@moonwalker091000]

I can't even wrap my head around the engineering and artistry it took to create the suite on the top of this truly magnificent building. So proud of all the designing and creativity it took all those years ago. I am truly speechless. Thanks for the great video!! :o)

[@TheTaxburden]

The top 5 floor penthouse is still for sale. The renderings and plans for it are beautiful.

[@pulsatingsausageboy2076]

Although I do find some of the new buildings impressive there’s just nothing quite like these old ones in terms of character.

[@javierpacheco8234]

I wish they can be built in this era. Gothic and art deco are my favorite.

[@RyomaG]

Truly one of the most beautiful skyscrapers!

[@sonnypruitt6639]

In 1971 I visited my sister living in NYC. I went downtown to get pictures of the World Trade Center, under construction, at 20 story's, and 60 story's. I saw this beautiful Gothic tower, and was so impressed, I took pictures of that building too. Later I discovered that it was the Woolworth Building, and former world record holder. This news of a refurbished Woolworth Building is the best news since the opening of the Freedom Tower.

[@linusfotograf]

I love the refitting of old buildings. That castle in the sky, wow. Would love to see a whole video tour of that.

[@jayrussell1825]

They sure built that Woolworth solid, able to undergo all this remodeling after 106 years.

[@sjgreene785]

What history. It is just a beautiful building. I just love NY! I lived in Upstate NY when I was 18. I am 58 now and remember going downtown and all over the city many times..alone. I am from a small town in S.C. but It always felt familiar and never any fear. IT IS A PRICELESS MEMORIES I carry to this day. Thank you.

[@ToofaniZindagi]

I'm starting a job in this building next week. Came at a perfect time!

[@notmaac]

Steve Hendrickson good luck and congratulations

[@jayrussell1825]

Save your pennies & someday you could live there !

[@chs75]

Congrats! What will you be doing?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Try to sneak onto that private penthouse's elevator!

[@JCB576]

good luck mate!

[@matthew1915]

Thank you for advocating for historic preservation.

[@fweedom34]

The Woolworth building is strikingly awesome. When I heard about the residential floors, my heart skipped a beat. Thankfully, this building has gotten the respect it deserves.

[@spaceghost4474]

The Woolworth building and the Chrysler building are, IMHO, the 2 most beautiful buildings in New York! Great video! THE PENTHOUSE IS STUNNING!!!

[@dlwatib]

My personal favorite is the Empire State building, but I see where you're coming from.

[@spaceghost4474]

@@dlwatib + Great building too. Lots of great architecture in NYC.

[@jayrussell1825]

Those new glass & steel skyscrapers they're putting up now at 90 stories in midtown just don't do it for me, they look like a bunch of reynolds aluminum foil boxes set on end. Now this building is architecture!

[@spaceghost4474]

@@jayrussell1825 + I agree! These new glass and steel buildings have no class. Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic speak to you in a way this other stuff just can't.

[@vieuxbal1253]

@ Space Ghost I agree with you 100%. But if I had to choose one building it would have been the Chrysler building. 😊

[@Box0rz]

That 110 million apartment sounds incredible. 5 floors and a private observation deck? Jeez, if I were a billionaire, I know where I would live.

[@zapfanzapfan]

Perfect pad for Batman :-)

[@peppermintgrove421]

I bought this apartment already

[@commonsense124]

@@peppermintgrove421 congratulations. Those monthly maintenance fees are going to be impressive

[@matthewerwin4677]

I would rather have a private island.

[@ArchangelExile]

I'd rather buy 200 average homes with that money and own my own town.

[@Missditabomb]

It is such a beautiful building with the most incredible design. It is my favourite building in New York City. I would have liked to have been able to walk through it when it was all entirely office space "back in the day". The interior details were said to be magnificent. This was F.W. Woolworth's pride and joy.

[@toastydoggo2313]

The Woolworth building is my favorite skyscraper

[@jayrussell1825]

Could kick myself for not going in there when I was on Manhattan, just have to make another trip!

[@korenng5553]

Amazing...challenges !!

[@solecurious1448]

Woolworth is grand and beautiful but Chrysler is still my fave.

[@sappyjohnson]

@@solecurious1448 I agree. Chrysler is still the best building in NYC

[@32123ABCBA]

@connextro I respectfully disagree- although it is not my fav skyscraper in NYC (That would be 432 Park Avenue)

[@davidrosner6267]

Great video! I hope Neo-Gothic architecture has a 21st century comeback in Gotham!

[@MrCutFolks7]

It’s a free energy building. The lies they tell about when it was built is a lie. This is a Tartarian construction. It used to draw static electricity drawn from the the electricity high up in the air. The quartz and marble and copper in the towers and the arch’s its all to provide free energy. The conversion was to take out all the advanced tech that they don’t want the public to know about. Our history is a lie

[@davidrosner6267]

@@MrCutFolks7, I'm not a fan of conspiracy theories but drawing static electricity from the air sounds pretty awesome! Nikola Tesla would be proud!

[@lorascelsi8102]

Hideous sky scrapers must go out of style.

[@this_boy-gent_is_a_roy-den2660]

In another dimension, the _Cloverfield_ monster knocked it down.

[@conneaness]

@@MrCutFolks7 wow, who knew!

[@jb68limo]

Your programming is exceptional and I must say this particular episode was fascinating! Thank you!

[@osphranterrufus]

Bravo to all who saved the Woolworth Building! This video really shows the challenges involved.

[@dominicrobertson7626]

This was one of the first buildings I sought out when I went to New York and it's awesome to hear about the continued renewal of it

[@brijgautam]

Love this content! As a New Yorker I’ve always wondered how they’ve managed to maintain such an old building. Truly an architectural gem!

[@jvcolddayinhell2761]

I've always loved the look of gothic structures. There's just something about them that I find very appealing. I would love to see a video about the history of gothic architecture!

[@HOVANA]

They look so detailed, beautiful, and majestic!

[@bandfromtheband9445]

This tower is so, so very beautiful! The Lobby is to die for!!

[@Basic541]

channels like this keep youtube's future certain. really, im not into construction but i love these video. id like to see more buildings that define a specific age.

[@autopartsknightrider9606]

My step dad used to work for the Engineering department and there were multiple times I was able to go to the very top of the buliding... the view was more than spectacular...

[@Tmrfe0962]

I love this channel....I’ve been working in the elevator industry here in NYC for over 30 years and it’s been a great career...seeing it on this channel, only magnifies that enjoyment.....Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@jonathanthompson5710]

FYI, B1M made a video dedicated to elevators. If you haven't seen it you should check it out.

[@Tmrfe0962]

Jonathan Thompson thanks, I did...& they did a Great job.i actually work on some of the buildings/elevators they talk about... Great channel.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@Tmrfe0962 I love building's mechanical systems!

[@paxnorth7304]

Thanks for your service. I did some cursory research into elevators for a project I was working on a while ago. It was ascinating to see how we often see the elevator *car* as the *elevator*, and are completely unaware of the entire marvelous structure within a structure (to say nothing of the elegance of the mechanics and mechanical controls) that encompasses the modern marvel that we blithely call an 'elevator'. Most people have NO idea how much love, care, sweat and attention go into keeping this show going ;)

[@jeffallinson8089]

This Manhattan icon has to be one of the most beautiful tall buildings ever built; both inside and out.

[@a.a.p3254]

Excellent video. This building is truly a engineering marvel. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@sandrin0]

Documentary quality writing, narration, video clips, and animations. You guys really do just keep putting out amazing stuff.

[@TheB1M]

Thank you so much!! None of it would be possible without our viewers.

[@Sudupe16]

This is better then most Documentaries

[@benjaminblakemore9704]

Man I just love the BIM!!! It's just so different in the delivery of history. A history I never knew existed. Fantastic work guys 👌

[@canadian2cowboy306]

I was fortunate enough to get a tour through this building and it was amazing. I saw the construction for what you talked about and it sounds incredible

[@sarahjwilloughbygreene]

I am drawn to the Woolworth Building. I really love the Penthouse. The history alone is interesting. It reminds me of a really tall castle. ✌️

[@JohnSmith-oj3fh]

If anyone ever asks what the saying "They dom't make them like they use to..." means, show them this building. Jaw dropping wow.

[@demven04]

Such a beautiful building! One of my favorites in NY.

[@CaptRichie100]

Fabulous job. Congrats to all who worked to solve so many daunting problems. May this building stand for hundreds of years.

[@josephcarlbreil5380]

I have always had a soft-spot in my heart for this iconic building, from the first time it was pointed out to me by my aunt during a visit to NYC in 1957 [I was all of 13 years old], to my final visit in 1978.

[@orlando-from-The-Bronx]

I worked in that building briefly. It was beautiful back then and I actually imagined that it could be repurposed as a residential building.

[@thecryinglennyface166]

I know I sound like a broken record player, repeating itself constantly. But this channel Brings absolutely fantastic content every video. Great channel, great content and great video. Thanks and have a great day to everyone. Truly The Definitive Video Channel for Construction. Road to 400K+ Subs.

[@jamesdixon5203]

I swear dude! I've watched every one of them videos

[@charliebrown5755]

Its broken record not record player

[@thecryinglennyface166]

Charlie Brown Yes, my apologizes. Lol Too shay haha

[@microbios8586]

Don't cry, Lenny. 😚

[@h0ll1s]

Wow what a building! So interesting to see and hear about this build, great to see the cross sections of the building and to see those unused lift shafts are being re used! Brilliant video!

[@bobblue_west]

Awesome. So very pleased it has been re-purposed and not demolished. NYC should be proud to have such a classic tower in it's midst.

[@brianbarcus5853]

Gorgeous building! It shows that treasuring old buildings and repurposing them with care, is extremely rewarding in many ways - even to the public that only enjoys them from afar. This building is amazing and nicer than any of today's creations. What a masterpiece great job!

[@ascott2168]

Wow, I love the old world details. So unique !

[@mike398100]

This is all I could have wanted. I love this building.

[@terrystephens1102]

What a magnificent repurposing of a beautiful building.

[@done1675]

It's arguably the most beautiful building in NYC. It's mind blowing.

[@eduardvandijk3431]

Yes! Another B1M video. Double yes because it is about New York! ❤

[@TheB1M]

Haha, you're welcome!

[@Suijiro99]

Aside from high quality content, music and presentation, what differs this channel from the rest is the acknowledgement of its sources. I mean in every picture, they have credits. So professional. Keep up the excellent works.

[@shermanator87]

One of my all time favorite buildings in new york along with the Chrysler building and the flatiron building.

[@suyashkumar6502]

I do not know why some people are disliking this video ? you can learn something from this great video. I am a structural engineer and i am also gaining a lot of knowledge from this. keep up the good work..

[@bobboberson2024]

Well, with the Woolworth Building - there wasn't any other choice but to repurpose. And I'm surely glad that is the case. For all the reasons mentioned here. And once again, another excellent and interesting B1M post.

[@ericengvall8619]

At least it was only half the building.

[@richardbarry04553]

I’ve always been so impressed with the architecture of this building - glad they’re adapting it to work in today’s world so it can avoid demolition

[@bradleymiller6598]

Reminds me of the Tribune Tower redevelopment in Chicago. Nice to see these neo gothic buildings get new life!

[@bethbartlett5692]

It's a positive feeling - that someone has both recycling and creative practical thinking - and others recognized the value. *Hats off to the innovative minds and their outcomes.*

[@just_cade]

Your videos are a godsend. I just visited New York and I did not know that this was even going on at the Woolworth Building. If I had $110 Million, I would definitely snatch up that penthouse, the views from it are incredible.

[@eriksvensson9484]

My favourite skyscraper!

[@jeremytravis360]

In the Uk I always love the iconic American Sky scrapers and knew most of it's Iconic buildings. The designs were so beautiful and creative and much nicer than the modern Shard and Gherkins we now have in London and lets try and forget our Walkie Talkie. Older people in England used to love the Woolworth stores and thought of Woolworths as a British company even though it was an American company. Sadly they have been replaced by Pound shops which are not the same. In 1956, as a child, I would sometimes buy some hot roasted peanuts from the counter for 3d a bag, which is fractionaly more than 1P today. Fabulous building my fantasy home.

[@fintan3563]

I love when beautiful historic buildings can repurposed for the 21st century! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Jamminn555]

Yet another brilliant video from the B1M. Beautifully written, edited and presented.

[@TheB1M]

Thank you so much!! 👍👍

[@oyvey764]

I new video from the B1M always starts the day right! Thank you for another interesting and well crafted posting. :-)

[@diyoutube3436]

I agree this channel is great

[@hrhjrd]

Pride in history. Awesome reinvention.

[@ThomasJr]

1:32 YOU CAN SEE this beautiful landscape in Hitchcock's 1948 The Rope

[@TheSharmanova]

Impossible to thank you sufficiently for this. Beautifully done and narrated. How you don’t have your own show on the BBC or the Smithsonian Channel I don’t know.

[@TheB1M]

Neither do we!! Please put in a good word for us!!!!

[@denimcowboy501]

Fantastic engineering and preservation of historical structures.

[@nullhandle85]

Thank you for producing such flawless pieces of art.

[@gggreggg]

I just love the narrator!!!! I hope he gets a raise in pay.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

Architectural masterpiece. Wish new buildings were this pretty.

[@srirampatnaik9164]

Architecture changes with time. For the time, this architecture was normal. People from the time would have considered today's buildings marvelous.

[@johnbarneswood]

Amazing video! Wish it was 3x as long! Love the narration

[@heathmccasland]

I would LOVE a video tour of one of these ultra-luxury apartments. The pictures, renders, and floorplans are incredible, but a video tour would be sublime.

[@philosoftfurkitusjunkyard2462]

with the inside and the view from the green top.

[@themoviedealers]

The highest quality videos. Worthy as or better than any broadcast or cable TV channel.

[@DanielCarrazana]

One of your best videos. They keep getting better and better. I truly enjoyed every minute of this episode.

[@TheB1M]

Thank you so much!! 👍👍

[@YeeSoest]

Thumbnail of the year so far !!

[@TheB1M]

Haha, thanks!!

[@YeeSoest]

@@TheB1M it's like back in the day when great movies had iconic posters...your videos always have enticing thumbnails but this one catches the whole "Castle in the Sky" above the busy streets of downtown Manhattan idea so well...that purple patch next to the windows is stunning!!!

[@Neojhun]

Love how it's just stunning photography. Simple.

[@UltimateSwordsmen]

"how history can not only be retained, but brought forward into a new age" - well said! they did a phenomenal job for repurposing this building, great video!

[@speedwaiwiri3016]

Your accent helps me relax & eventually fall asleep. Very knowledgeable you are, pity that I gotta watch every video 2x or 3! Thanks mate.

[@oliversharpe8235]

I've loved seeing this channel grow. Always producing consistently amazing and well made content!

[@joeyhelean7584]

love all the videos on this channel. Would love to see more info on San Francisco infrastructure, etc... With the huge housing crisis happening across CA & the constant influx of people into the city (most of them super-rich) would just like to see more about how they're trying to tackle the issue through infrastructure/construction. What are the challenges, etc? Especially with the Gov of CA being the former mayor & talking about tackling it so much, plus Benioff from Salesforce seeming to actually want to put his money where his mouth is. Keep up what you're doing either way, love it.

[@steeldriver5338]

All the CA gov has done for the past decade is talk, with little action. The main issue is that SF has extensive red tape, preventing builders from building. The residents want affordable housing, but don't want housing to be built. Idiots, the lot of them.

[@notsure6187]

The city government and NIMBYs don't want to solve the city's housing crisis, so its only going to get worse. Rich whites and Asians will continue to fill the city, while blacks and hispanics are pushed out. No progress is being made.

[@mrosilvR7]

I love this. Thank you NYC and Alchemy for embracing history rather than demolishing it.

[@Jonpoo1]

My favourite building in New York’s skyline purely because it is so unique. Great video. Thanks.

[@Saml3838]

Exciting construction story. Well explained!

[@edvaira6891]

This was really Cool! Thanks for sharing it!

[@timklein3962]

Loved the original shots of the building being constructed; also the Singer Building in a few shots; should have saved that one; torn down in 68'

[@welakapela1587]

Man, what a beautiful film. 👏

[@charleskesner1302]

Thanks for covering this important project. Very interesting and informative.

[@theartist124]

This was so well done, I started watching it apprehensively, but thankfully The B1M delivered!

[@javierpacheco8234]

This is classic American architecture. I love it.

[@whiskeyandchoke]

fantastic detail and extremely informative - i love seeing notifications for your videos pop up!

[@kyubestie7921]

Thanks for being one of those small gems that actually interest me with their content :) keep it up

[@Masood1810]

The content, the narration, the music - it's just great - the best channel on KZbin! Thank you The B1M.

[@TheB1M]

Wow! Thank you so much for the feedback!! 👍👍👍

[@stewiewonder2601]

What a stunning building it is - even after over 100 years since being built.

[@Summer-xe6in]

Amazing. Thank you, again B1M. I am impressed, always, by your "Courtesy Of" parts within the video because I am happy that the person/people who share the photos and information know how amazing you all are and how hard you all work to produce such superior content.

[@Team4640]

Who could possible dislike the video? 🤦🏻‍♂️ Keep it up B1M !! Great content 👌🏼

[@jayrussell1825]

Mikey! he hates everything.

[@kdids]

What an incredible film. This might be your best one ever on the channel. Well done!

[@lexergaming]

After this video my opinion has changed towards old beautiful buildings like this. Ihave the utmost respect for these kind of buildings now.

[@6yjjk]

Knocked it out of the park again, B1M.

[@amapparatistkwabena]

Another The B1M video the day before my holiday! Ahh---all is well! :)

[@moonwalker091000]

This is truly a fairy tale of engineering marvel. Thank you so much for the history on this beautiful building.

[@Edbordo]

Ww tower with its classic design is One of the more awesones building in NYC, indeed.

[@cenewton3221]

Amazing that a building of that size and height, completed in 1913 at a time when Model T's were driving along side of horse-drawn carriages, still stands more beautiful than ever in 2019.

[@seifhujaij5617]

Really love your videos, actual quality. I don't understand who would dislike a video like this

[@ericengvall8619]

People who hate old buildings being gutted? Apartments for rich people? Those are just guesses.

[@spuntsofnewyork]

One of my favorite buildings in Manhattan. Late '80s & '90s I used to work in that building.Less than 1 minute from the World Trade Center Subway, bang -on, 25 minutes later I was home.I missed Manhattan, just can't afford her anymore.

[@megaswenson]

Finally! This answers a great many questions we had about the conversion. And it's the first time we've had permanent access to a cross-section of the Pinnacle.

[@mpaulm]

What amazing vision these developers have to change this building.👌😳