American Surety Building

The American Surety Building (also 100 Broadway) is a 21 - story high-rise in Manhattan in New York City. It is located at 100 Broadway and is one of the most influential high-rise buildings in Manhattan. In 1997 it was provided by the Landmarks Preservation Commission under monument protection.

Description

The building is built on a trapezoidal plot, with a three-story base, a twelve -story, slender body and a six-story conclusion. The fourth and 15th floors are individually decorated. The base has an elegant entrance with Ionic columns and decorative figures. The building is considered as a milestone in the evolution of skyscraper building in Manhattan. It was built in 1894-1896 according to the plans of the famous architect Bruce Prince. It was also his first and most important and most innovative building, which should constitute essential accents in terms of design and building materials.

History

Rise of finance and insurance district

As New York in the mid- 19th century, the main town in Finance from the United States was subjected to most banks and insurance companies from Wall Street to the north to new larger premises in Broad Street or Broadway. These buildings were generally referred to as palaces, because of their Renaissance -inspired and richly decorated design and their contemplative height of just 20 meters. The first building which was to break this tradition was built in the Equitable Building, 1870 is regarded as one of the first skyscrapers in the world. The building was demolished in 1912, it was with a height of over 40 meters record holder in its construction. Furthermore, it created new standards with persons elevators and fire-resistant walls.

By the year 1875 in New York had two more skyscrapers get added, the New York Tribune Building and the Western Union Building, with a height of about 70 meters each, a former sensation. After the financial crisis of 1873, many smaller buildings were replaced by higher and equipped with elevators, high rise buildings.

The construction of the American Surety Company Buildings

Most of these high-rise buildings were commissioned by major banks and insurance companies in order, they should by their height and design to meet the functional benefits of a warehouse and office space but represent the size and power of the company and externally.

In February 1894, the American Surety Company was planning a re-house their corporate headquarters. While they were previously based in the Guernsey Building at 160 Broadway, they announced that they have acquired the site of the former Continental Life Insurance Company 's at the corner of Broadway and Pine Street. Even the New York Times commented in advance that the Surety Building would provide its surroundings in the shade. Especially here a rivalry with the neighboring Manhattan Life Building, which was demolished in 1965 was made.

Extensions and recovery

Between 1920 and 1922 the building was expanded to four units, each with four on Broadway and four at the Pine Street. Furthermore, were placed two penthouse floors. Directed and designed were these extensions by the New York architect Herman Lee Meader, who wanted to keep the extensions as close as possible to the original.

With the move to the new building and the American Surety Company grew. 1898 occupy 1,200 insurance agents, the management was passed directly from headquarters on Broadway. In 1963, the company passed into the Transamerica Insurance Company of California.