Welcome to this online display of drawings by Gerald Blaikie of some of the interesting architectural features of the United States of America.

 

Drawing of Haughwout Building, New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Detail at corner of E.V. Haughwout Building, New York City

Location: SoHo, New York City  
Architects: John P. Gaynor
Ironwork: Daniel D. Badger
Year: c.1857

 

The E.V. Haughwout Building in New York City is a five-storey cast-iron fronted block situated in the SoHo district of Manhattan. It was erected in 1857 to a design by John P. Gaynor, with cast-iron façades fabricated at Daniel D. Badger's Architectural Iron Works.
This pioneering use of cast-iron evolved into the development of the steel-framed skyscrapers which became a defining feature of New York City.

 


 

Drawing of Flatiron Building, New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Apex of south-east corner of Flatiron Building, New York City

Location: Fifth Avenue/ Broadway, New York City  
Architect: Daniel Burnham
Year: c.1902

 

The Flatiron Building is an early example of a steel-framed skyscraper in New York City. It was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1902. The apex of this remarkable skyscraper is a mere two metres wide at its narrowest section.
The elaborate decorative masonry seen on the upper storeys shows a more conservative style than the modernistic skyscrapers that were to follow.

 


 

Drawing of Woolworth Building, New York Cityby Gerald Blaikie

Top storeys of Woolworth Building, New York City

Location: Broadway, New York City  
Architect: Cass Gilbert
Year: 1913

 

The Woolworth Building in New York City was completed in 1913. It was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, displaying Gothic influences in the external detailing. It was constructed with nearly 60 storeys, becoming the tallest building in the world and remaining so until 1930.

 


 

Drawing of eagles at Chrysler Building New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Steel eagles at Chrysler Building, New York City

Location: Lexington Avenue / 42nd Street, New York City  
Architect: William Van Alen
Year: 1930

 

The stainless steel clad eagles adorning the Chrysler Building in downtown Manhattan are an enduring symbol of inter-war American Art Deco styling.
The Chrysler Building was the world's tallest building for a brief period after its completion in 1930, a few months before the Empire State Building assumed that title in 1931. Its adventurous architect, William Van Alen, incorporated architectural details derived from the fashionable Chrysler ornamentation which featured in the company's range of automobiles, examples of which can still be seen in old movies of the period.

 


Drawing of Empire State Building, New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Top of Empire State Building, New York City

Location: Fifth Avenue, New York City  
Architect: William F. Lamb
Year: c.1931

 

The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building from 1931 until superceded by the World Trade Center in 1970. The upper levels of the 102 storey tower, illustrated above, demonstrate its distinctive Art Deco style to best effect.


Drawing of St Patrick's Cathedral, New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Spires of St Patrick's Cathedral, New York City

Location:Fifth Avenue, New York City  
Architect: James Renwick Jnr
Year: c.1878

 

The spires of St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral were a later addition to the structure. They were added in 1888, a decade after the main building was completed. The new cathedral was designed by James Renwick Jr. in the Gothic Revival style. It was built as a replacement for the Old Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Lower Manhattan. Before the coming of Manhattan's familiar skyscrapers, the spires, illustrated above, were the tallest structures in New York City.


Drawing of Manhattan Bridge Arch, New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Manhattan Bridge Arch, New York City

Location: Manhattan, New York City  
Architects: Carrère and Hastings
Sculptor: C.A. Heber / C. Rumsey
Year: c.1915

 

The Manhattan Bridge Arch and the adjoining colonnade were completed in 1915, six years after the bridge opened. The structure was designed by local firm Carrère and Hastings to provide a magnificent gateway to the bridge as it passes from the island of Manhattan and crosses the East River. The sculptured decoration on the arch is credited to Carl Augustus Heber and Charles Rumsey.


Drawing of Washington Square Arch, New York City by Gerald Blaikie

Washington Square Arch, New York City

Location: Washington Square Park, New York City  
Architect: Stanford White
Year: c.1892

 

The Washington Square Arch was constructed to celebrate the centenary of the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States in 1789.
The white marble structure was designed by Stanford White and features sculpture and reliefs created by the New York City based Piccirilli Brothers.


Drawing of clock tower at New York City Hall

Clock tower at New York City Hall

Location: Broadway, New York City
Architect: Grosvenor Atterbury  
Year: 1917

 

The clock tower at New York City Hall was rebuilt in 1917 after two major fires. The alterations were carried out by architect Grosvenor Atterbury to fit in with the original building designed by Joseph F. Mangin & John McComb in 1811.


Drawing of tower of Riverside Church, New York City

Tower of Riverside Church, Manhattan, the tallest church in the USA

Location: New York City
Architects: Allen, Pelton & Collens  
Year: 1930

 

The interdenominational Riverside Church was built with a steel frame as are the surrounding skyscrapers of Manhattan. The tallest church in the United States was designed by Messrs Allen, Pelton and Collens in a style inspired by mediaeval French Gothic architecture. It was completed in 1930, around the same time as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.


Drawing of sculpture at entrance to Grand Central Terminal, New York City

Sculpture at entrance to Grand Central Terminal, New York City

Location: 42nd Street, New York City  
Sculptor: Jules-Felix Coutan
Year: c.1914

 

The sculptural composition "Glory of Commerce" at Grand Central Terminal, New York City, was created by French sculptor, Jules-Félix Coutan. It features figures of Hercules, Minerva and Mercury surrounding the clock, which features decorative Tiffany glass.



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