I think modernists wanted to build the future, tried something new, it didn’t stick, but companies and developers loved increased profit margins.
Modernism/futurism was bastardized and transformed into “value engineering”
1 Like
Soon after opening
Something I was confused about when replicating this was the staircase shown on the west side of the building over the sidewalk, which according to this picture actually connected to the El. Also note the size of the buildings where 22 Cortlandt is now.
6 Likes
Rendering of the Metropolitan Telephone Building at 22 Cortlandt Street / 15 Dey Street, 1897-1933
The 1886 Metropolitan Telephone Building at 14-20 Cortlandt Street
The 1886 building showing the later thin addition at 22 Cortlandt Street
The 1897 annex to the Metropolitan Telephone Building, 13-17 Dey Street
Havemeyer Building at 24 Cortlandt Street, built in 1892
Havemeyer Building
1908, showing the buildings left of center
Dey Street around 1915 showing the Hudson Terminal Buildings, the Telephone site is on the left
Demolition of the Havemeyer Building, 1933. Notice the Telephone Buildings have already been razed for a 2 story modern taxpayer
Demolition continues
The Havemeyer Building site c. 1934. Demolition is complete and construction begins on the 1 story replacement; notice that 5 Dey Street is now the tallest, and only tall building on the block
The 2 story taxpayer that the Telephone Buildings were demolished for. Built in 1933 and demolished in 1969
The replacement for the Havemeyer Building which still stands today
An old eulogy for the Havemeyer Building
5 Likes
Havemeyer Building constructions Details
Piling Plan
Foundation Plan
Typical Floor Plan and Foundation Plan
Second Story Plan
Dey Street Elevation
Transverse Section
6 Likes
Wow these renderings and floor plans from the Metropolitan Telephone and Havemeyer buildings will help me a lot!
Construction of the Federal Reserve Bank - 1921
6 Likes
Holy cow does the East River Savings Bank have street presence. It looks deflated and sad as a Century 21. Probably due to the new windows, hideous signage, etc.
Small scale Art Deco buildings are no less impressive than the great towers in my opinion. eg Schrafft’s on 79th btw Lex and 3rd:
4 Likes
The Savings Bank is/was a fine looking building but I personally see it as no proper replacement for the masterpiece that the Havemeyer Building was. Even more so for the Telephone Building next door, demolished for a modern dull gray taxpayer.
1 Like
the old Lawyers Title Insurance Building
the orginal Building from 1894
Annex to Liberty Street built 1905
Maiden Lane and Nassau Street with the Mutual Life Ins. Building
Demolition 1919 for the Federal Reserve Bank Building
6 Likes
A Version from the Trinity Building
Trinity Building alone
Trinity Annex Building new U.S. Realty Building under construction with the Washington Life and Fidelity and Casualty Building
finish
5 Likes
See this too me is an example of gaudy historical architecture. There is just too much going on. The finished product is wayyyy better.
3 Likes
It’s kinda like the original Waldorf Astoria. If you sit back and actual critique it objectively that roof is terrible. Something about those 1880-1900 roofs that just don’t sit well with me. The buildings are great, but the roofs are just awkward.
3 Likes
1950s: A Catwalk Car, NYC⠀
_⠀
The cars were designed to reduce on the Port Authority’s tunnel patrol force. The vehicle was plastic and travelled at 12 mph.⠀
6 Likes
That roof is just a mess. Lol
1 Like
The roof is to overloaded.
1 Like
I think it’s quite a mess and would probably look nicer with less asymmetrical detailing but I have to give the Waldorf part credit as the gaudiness kinda makes it more imposing to me lol
1 Like
Before I do another photo haul/hunt I thought I’d share some more progress sneak peaks after I just finished the City Investing Building
9 Likes
1950s
1940s City Hall Park, at least 1942 since the Waterman taxpayer was already built
1919, Stone Street. Produce Exchange and Custom House are at the foot of the street
Undated view of the Hudson South and Monroe Taylor Buildings at Radio Row
Diagram of the Monroe Taylor Building at Radio Row, 1894-1968
6 Likes
1933 view from Bank of Manhattan Building
1934 U.S. Court House under construction
The Tombs Prison
Park Row Building 1938
Maiden Lane and Front Street 1938
Demolition from the Hanover National Bank Building
1934 Vesey Street
1936 Park Ave. 54 Street
Wall Street from 60th Wall Street Building 1951
Skyline 1967
6 Likes