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New York Architecture Images-New York Architects George B. Post |
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| 007 THE NEW YORK WORLD BUILDING | 012 The St. Paul Building | 016 Western Union Telegraph Building | 036 NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE | 020- Williamsburgh Savings Bank |
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During his prolific career,
George B. Post (1837 - 1913) demonstrated innovative engineering skill,
which facilitated his creation of large, open interior spaces as well as
his pioneering work in the construction of skyscrapers. His Equitable
Life Assurance Society building was the first office building to use
elevators. In addition, his World Building and St. Paul building had the
distinction of being the tallest buildings in New York at the time of
their construction. One of his commercial masterpieces, the vast New
York Produce Exchange, had an enormous sky-lighted hall. All of these
buildings have been demolished. The New York Stock Exchange survives as
an example of his creation of uncluttered interior spaces through
inventive use of steel supports.
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Unfortunately,
many of Post's landmark New York buildings have vanished. The 8-story
Equitable Life Assurance Society (1868-70), was the first office
building to use elevators, and was a model for future skyscrapers. The
Western Union Building (1872-75) in Lower Manhattan, an early
skyscraper, was the first office building to rise as high as ten
stories.
His
20-story World Building (1889-90) was, for its time, the tallest
building in the city. Post's Bronx Borough Hall (1895-97) stood in
Crotona Park; today only the front steps survive. A model and several
drawings represent Post's New York Hospital (1875-77) on 15th Street
between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Chickering Hall (1874-75) at Fifth
Avenue and 18th Street served as both a concert hall and a piano store.
Perhaps most impressive of all was the vast New York Produce Exchange
(1881-84) at Two Broadway opposite Bowling Green. It housed a grand
skylighted hall, typical of the challenging commercial project that
became Post's hallmark.