Imagine nickels and dimes piling up to build a cathedral. That’s the story of the Hickson W Field Building. But wait. Let’s rewind a bit. Who was Hickson W Field?
Hickson Woolman Field was born to John Field and Lydia Hazard. He married Eleanor DeForest. Eventually, he died in Rome, Italy in 1873. He lived to the age of 84.
Now back to our cathedral of commerce. While not directly related, the Woolworth Building, designed by Cass Gilbert, embodies a similar spirit. F. W. Woolworth envisioned a headquarters. It was more than just an office. He wanted a monument.
The Woolworth Building became the world’s tallest from 1913 to 1929. Its neo-Gothic style mimicked European cathedrals. Some even called it the “Cathedral of Commerce”. Woolworth admired the Victoria Tower. He also liked the Palace of Westminster.
Gilbert, however, disliked the religious comparison. He opted for 15th- and 16th-century Gothic ornaments. The building’s steel frame was modern. It emphasized vertical design, like other neo-Gothic structures.
Originally planned at 420 feet, it grew to 792 feet. It has 53 usable floors topped by mechanical floors. High ceilings make it feel like an 80-story building.
The base occupies the entire lot. It has two “wings” to ensure outside views for all offices. The tower rises above the base. Setbacks occur at the 30th, 45th, and 50th floors. Above the 53rd floor, the tower tapers into a pyramidal roof.
Limestone clads the lowest four stories. Above that, limestone-colored terracotta panels cover the exterior. Woolworth initially wanted granite. Gilbert preferred limestone. Terracotta was fireproof and ornamental. Each panel has a slightly different color, creating a polychrome effect.
The building has thousands of windows maybe 2,843, maybe 5,000. They provide light and comfort. Every office is within 10 feet of a window.
The main entrance on Broadway is a three-story Tudor arch. Niches depict an owl, tree trunks, and animated figures. The lobby was designed with major figures in the building’s construction like Gilbert and Woolworth.
The ornate lobby has two passageways with barrel-vaulted ceilings. Veined marble from Greece covers the lobby. Patterned glass mosaics decorate the ceilings. The staircase hall has a stained-glass skylight.
The basement once housed a bank vault, restaurant, and barbershop. F. W. Woolworth had his own private pool.
Upon completion, the Woolworth Building had seven water systems and its own power plant. It was designed to house 2,000 offices. Ceilings ranged from 11 to 20 feet high. Woolworth’s private office on the 24th floor is preserved in its original condition. The building also used a system of high-speed elevators.
The Woolworth Building stands. It is a testament to ambition, design, and the power of many small contributions adding up to something grand. Perhaps Hickson W Field would have appreciated this “Cathedral of Commerce” built on the strength of nickels and dimes.