The Woolworth Tower Residences
The Cathedral of Commerce — Landmark Living at 233 Broadway
About The Woolworth Tower Residences
The Woolworth Tower Residences represent one of the most extraordinary adaptive reuse projects in New York City history. Developed by Alchemy Properties, the project converted the upper floors of the iconic Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway into luxury condominiums—a transformation that would have seemed unthinkable for decades. Cass Gilbert's 1913 masterpiece, once the tallest building in the world, had been an exclusively commercial address for over a century before Alchemy secured the rights to reimagine floors 29 through 58 as residences. Delivered beginning in 2017, the project required navigating complex landmarking requirements and engineering challenges that few developers would have attempted. We consider it one of the most significant residential conversions in Manhattan's history.
The interior conversion was entrusted to Thierry Despont, one of the most celebrated interior architects working today. Despont's approach was reverential but not frozen—he preserved and restored the building's extraordinary Gothic Revival terra cotta detailing while creating residences that function beautifully for contemporary living. The 57-story tower features residences with soaring ceilings, arched windows, and the kind of architectural detail that simply cannot be replicated in new construction. The crown jewel is the Pinnacle penthouse occupying the building's famous copper-clad crown, one of the most unique residential offerings ever brought to market in New York. Throughout, Despont balanced historic preservation with modern luxury in a way that honors Cass Gilbert's original vision.
In market terms, the Woolworth Tower Residences occupy a category of one. There is no comparable product—no other building in New York offers the combination of historical significance, architectural grandeur, and contemporary luxury that this conversion delivers. Buyers here are acquiring a piece of New York history, and the pricing reflects that extraordinary provenance. We typically discuss this building with clients who have exhausted the conventional luxury market and are looking for something truly singular. It competes less with other new developments than with the rarest trophy properties in Manhattan—the category where irreplaceability is the primary value driver.
The Woolworth Tower Residences at a Glance
233 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Alchemy Properties
Thierry Despont (interior conversion)
2017
33
57
Condominium
Tribeca
The Woolworth Tower Residences Condos for Sale
Why Buyers Choose The Woolworth Tower Residences
Owning a Piece of Irreplaceable New York History
The Woolworth Building is not just a residential address—it's one of the most significant structures in American architectural history. Completed in 1913 as the tallest building in the world, designed by Cass Gilbert, it defined what a skyscraper could be. Buying a residence here means owning a piece of that history in the most literal sense. We work with buyers who have reached a point where conventional luxury no longer excites them, and the Woolworth Tower consistently reignites that excitement. No developer can build a new version of this. No amount of money can create the provenance that comes with a century of being a New York icon. It is, quite simply, one of a kind.
Thierry Despont's Masterful Conversion
The quality of the conversion is what makes the Woolworth Tower Residences work as homes rather than museum pieces. Thierry Despont brought his extraordinary talent for balancing preservation with livability to every detail. Original Gothic Revival terra cotta elements, arched windows, and ornamental details were restored and highlighted, while kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanical systems meet the highest contemporary standards. The craftsmanship is visible in every room—custom millwork, carefully integrated modern comforts, and a respect for the building's original proportions that only an architect of Despont's caliber could achieve. Living here feels like inhabiting art, not just a luxury apartment.
Views From One of New York's Original Vantage Points
The Woolworth Building's upper floors offer a perspective on New York City that predates virtually every other residential option. You're looking out from a building that once stood above everything, and while the skyline has grown around it, the views remain extraordinary. The Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, the rivers, the downtown skyline—it's a panorama rich with historical and visual significance. Buyers who prioritize views often focus on the newest, tallest towers, but we consistently find that the views from the Woolworth Tower carry an emotional weight that pure altitude cannot replicate. You're seeing the city from its history.
The Rarest Trophy Property in Manhattan
In a market that produces hundreds of new luxury units every year, the Woolworth Tower Residences stand apart because they cannot be replicated or diluted. The total number of residences is small, the building is a protected landmark, and the conversion will never be repeated. For buyers who think about real estate the way collectors think about art—where rarity, provenance, and historical significance drive value—this building is in a class by itself. We've worked with clients who considered every ultra-luxury option in Manhattan before concluding that the Woolworth Tower was the only property that felt truly irreplaceable. That assessment, in our experience, is correct.
Our Perspective on The Woolworth Tower Residences
The Woolworth Tower Residences is a building we discuss with clients who have seen everything the Manhattan luxury market offers and are looking for something that transcends the conventional categories. This is not a building you compare against other new developments on a spreadsheet of price per square foot and amenity counts. It exists in a category of one—a residential conversion inside one of the most important buildings in American architectural history.
Alchemy Properties took on an enormously complex project and executed it with the seriousness it demanded. Bringing in Thierry Despont for the interior conversion was exactly the right decision. Despont's ability to preserve Cass Gilbert's Gothic Revival masterwork while creating residences that function beautifully for contemporary life is evident throughout. The arched windows, the terra cotta detailing, the proportions of the original structure—all of it is honored and integrated rather than compromised. The result is something that no amount of new construction spending can replicate.
The views deserve specific mention. Looking out from the upper floors of the Woolworth Building is a different experience than looking out from a glass tower completed last year. There's a historical dimension to the perspective—you're seeing the city from a vantage point that has existed for over a century, and that context gives the views an emotional resonance that goes beyond the purely visual.
Where we counsel clients honestly: this building is not for everyone. The location in lower Manhattan's Civic Center is not the same lifestyle proposition as Tribeca proper or the Upper East Side. The unit count is small, which means resale liquidity is different from a large-scale development. And the pricing reflects the building's singular provenance, which means you're paying a premium for irreplaceability. But for the buyer who understands what this building represents—and who values legacy, history, and architectural significance above all else—the Woolworth Tower Residences are without peer. We consider it a privilege to show this property.
International Buyers Welcome
Foreign nationals can purchase condominiums in Manhattan with no visa or residency requirements. Many international buyers use LLCs for privacy and estate planning. Manhattan Miami specializes in guiding international buyers through the acquisition process, from financing options to closing procedures.
Read Our International Buyer Guide →About The Woolworth Tower Residences
The Woolworth Tower Residences — Living in a New York City Landmark
The Woolworth Tower Residences represent one of the most extraordinary residential conversions in New York City history. Developed by Alchemy Properties within the upper floors of the iconic 1913 Woolworth Building — once the tallest building in the world — these 33 residences offer a truly singular opportunity to live within a National Historic Landmark. Completed in 2017, the conversion was masterfully designed by Thierry Despont, preserving the building's Gothic terra-cotta ornamentation while creating sumptuous modern interiors.
Residences occupy floors 29 through 58 of the historic tower, featuring soaring ceilings up to 14 feet, hand-laid herringbone oak floors, custom millwork, and expansive windows framing panoramic views of the New York Harbor, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline. The crown jewel is "The Pinnacle" — a five-story penthouse within the building's iconic copper-clad crown.
Amenities include a private wine cellar, fitness center, residents' lounge, swimming pool, and a dedicated building manager. Located at 233 Broadway in Tribeca, the Woolworth Building is adjacent to City Hall Park, the Oculus, and Brookfield Place, with convenient access to virtually every subway line in the city.
Available Residences
Currently available at The Woolworth Tower Residences
Residence 35A
2 Park Place #35A, Manhattan, NY 10007
Residence 41B
2 Park Place #41B, Manhattan, NY 10007
Unparalleled Living
Residence Collection
Two Bedroom
2 BR
1,600–2,200 SF
From $3.875M
Three Bedroom
3 BR
2,500–3,500 SF
From $7M
Four Bedroom
4 BR
3,800–5,200 SF
From $12M
Pinnacle Penthouse
5 BR
9,680 SF
From $79M
Residences from $3,875,000
World-Class Amenities
Wellness & Fitness
- Fitness center
- 25-meter swimming pool
- Spa and treatment rooms
- Steam room and sauna
Leisure & Entertainment
- Residents' lounge
- Wine cellar and tasting room
- Screening room
- Library
- Children's playroom
Heritage & Exclusivity
- Grand lobby with original terracotta detailing
- Historic Woolworth pool restoration
- Private observatory
Building Services
- 24-hour doorman and concierge
- Valet parking
- Private storage
- Bicycle storage
The Visionaries
Alchemy Properties
Developer
A New York-based developer specializing in luxury residential conversions, transforming the iconic Woolworth Building's upper floors into exclusive residences.
Thierry Despont
Interior Design
Internationally acclaimed designer known for luxury residential interiors, major museum restorations, and landmark architectural conversions.
Tribeca, New York
The Woolworth Tower Residences occupy the upper floors of the iconic 1913 Woolworth Building in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Residents enjoy proximity to Tribeca's celebrated dining scene, City Hall Park, and the waterfront, with easy access to multiple subway lines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Woolworth Building?
The Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway was completed in 1913, designed by architect Cass Gilbert in the Gothic Revival style. Commissioned by five-and-dime magnate Frank Woolworth, it was the tallest building in the world until 1930. The building has been a designated New York City landmark and is widely regarded as one of the most important skyscrapers ever built. Its ornate terra cotta facade, vaulted lobby, and copper crown are architectural treasures that define the lower Manhattan skyline.
What floors of the Woolworth Building were converted to residences?
The residential conversion encompasses floors 29 through 58 of the 57-story tower—specifically the upper tower portion that includes the building's iconic crown and observation deck level. The lower floors remain commercial office space. This separation means residents have dedicated lobby access and elevators distinct from the commercial tenants below. The upper-floor positioning also means that every residence enjoys significant height and views over lower Manhattan and beyond.
Who designed the residential interiors at the Woolworth Tower?
Thierry Despont, the renowned French-American interior architect, designed the residential conversion. Despont is known for his work on some of the world's most prestigious properties, including the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and interiors for major private residences. His work at the Woolworth Tower preserved and restored historic architectural elements—arched windows, terra cotta details, ornamental plasterwork—while integrating contemporary living standards. The result is a rare fusion of museum-quality preservation and functional luxury.
What is the Pinnacle penthouse at the Woolworth Tower?
The Pinnacle is the crown jewel of the conversion—a multi-level penthouse set within the building's famous copper-clad tower crown, the architectural element that defines the Woolworth Building's silhouette on the New York skyline. It is one of the most unique residential offerings ever brought to market anywhere in the world. The space features original architectural details at an extraordinary scale, with panoramic views in every direction. It represents the kind of once-in-a-generation opportunity that transcends conventional real estate categories.
How does buying at the Woolworth Tower compare to other luxury options in Manhattan?
There is genuinely no direct comparison. The Woolworth Tower Residences offer something that no new construction building can: the chance to live inside a national historic landmark that was once the tallest building in the world. Buyers here aren't choosing between this and another condo—they're choosing between owning a piece of irreplaceable history and everything else. That said, finishes and systems are thoroughly contemporary, so you're not sacrificing modern comfort for historical significance. The value proposition is about provenance and singularity.
What are the views like from the Woolworth Tower Residences?
The views are spectacular and historically resonant. From the upper floors, you look out over the entirety of lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, the Hudson and East Rivers, and the downtown skyline. Because the building dates to 1913 and sits at a commanding height, the perspective is unique—you're seeing the city from one of its original vantage points. North-facing units take in the Midtown skyline. The combination of height, location, and historical context makes these views unlike anything else available.
What is the neighborhood like around the Woolworth Building?
The Woolworth Building is located at 233 Broadway in lower Manhattan's Civic Center area, adjacent to City Hall Park and near the Financial District and Tribeca. The neighborhood has evolved significantly in recent years, with strong residential growth, excellent dining options in nearby Tribeca, and cultural attractions including the Oculus at the World Trade Center. Transit access is exceptional, with multiple subway lines converging nearby. The area offers a quieter, more historically rich alternative to Midtown living.
Is the Woolworth Tower a good long-term investment?
We're cautious about making investment predictions for any specific building, but we can say this: irreplaceable properties with genuine historical significance tend to hold their value in ways that conventional luxury inventory does not. There will never be another Woolworth Building conversion. The supply is fixed at a very small number of units, and the historical provenance is beyond what any new development can manufacture. For buyers who think in terms of legacy assets rather than market timing, the fundamentals here are compelling.
The Woolworth Tower Residences Awaits
Our specialists will provide personalized pricing, floor plans, and exclusive developer incentives.
233 Broadway, New York, NY 10007