Skyscrapers on Lower Broadway, New York City

Aerial photo showing skyscrapers of Lower Broadway from the Hudson River, dated December 3, 1924 (11 A.M.). West Street and ferries are in the foreground. Source: Mitchel Field, N.Y., Records of the Army Air Forces.

The Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway, on the left, was completed in 1913, being the tallest building in the world until 1930, when it was surpassed by 40 Wall Street. The West Street Building was completed in 1907. The Standard Oil Tower, at 26 Broadway, was completed before the end of that year, 1924. The frenzy of building skyscrapers in New York City continued until the early 1930s, then the pace of construction slowed due to the Great Depression.