New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-23
PROGRESS IN BUILDING
Flexible Floor Plans and Real
NoiSeproof Walls.
WORK OF SPECIALISTS
The Modern Construction Com
panies Can Quickly Improve
Old Districts.

ner of Cortlandt and Church streets, lts
projectors we're positive that 1t would be
standing, with all it's exterior graceful
lines not much married by age. al least
seventy-hve years, and possibly a century
A little less than thirty years was the
length of its realty usefulness. Not a
part Of this we'll known building in the
period when the foundations Of many
American fortunes we're laid is on the site
to-day. Where il once stood is thirty
three story skyscraper, considered TO be
one of the most imposing of the latest
addition to the Commercial cathedrals'
of the downtown district Of New York.
It's projectors do not think its beauti-
full, towering walls will be a landmark OF
the neighborhood for even half a century.
II could stand twice that length OF time,
many experts assert, and be almost as
easy to keep in excellent repair as the
first year It was opened for tenancy. But
the projectors know that what Is modern
as regards buildings at the present time
will not be fairly up-to-date many years
hence. Consequently they would not be
surprised II this stately structure, the
work Of their creation, was entirely made
over within hLbS year o. VI III 1000 Nihlt' VI
replaced by another skyscraper which
would be more suited 10 the needs OF that
day.
This building is a striking example OF
the rapid strides that have been made IN
Office architecture since New York began
to grow as rapidly sltyward as northward.
It contains not one floor above the main
corridor and halls which could not be
divided and subdivided into large or small
offices 10 suit the tastes or the needs of
the lessee
Who made this flexible floor plan possible
and popular? Some persons say architects,
but the highest praise belongs 10 the de-
sgners and makers Of partitions. Do you
remember the partitions that were used 10
divide office space in various old buildings,
which were often classified among the most
expensive?
The partitions, or once walls. we're 80
built that the noise made by a chair falling
on the floor in an ONCE In the rear Of the
structure could be almost distinctly heard
throughout that floor. How many nervous
business men, working under a severe ten
sion accustomed themselves 10 the medley
OF sounds about them is a mystery.
m'H DdTutlOnb now are nearly sOuUu-
proof; many are absolutely noise-proof.
Yet the Offices contain ventilators which
carry on all the foul air Through other
fues enters constantly fresh air. not from
the street level. but from the roof Thus
the atmosphere OF the once Is fresh. and
those who breathe II can do their tasks
better because they are working under
more favorable conditions than ONCE occu-
pants did some wears ago.
Noise Proof Buildings.
There is successful hosiery near the
railroad terminal zone which describes It's
building features In about this manner.
The hotel is located in the heart OF the
great theatre. shopping and railroad ter
minal centre. The street noises do not en-
ter the building TO disturb the guests as
they do in many OF the older hosteries.
Absolute quietness reigns. You will enjoy
your stay here"
The main walls OF that hosiery. as we'll
as all the permanent interior walls and also
the partitions. were made noise proof. An
other feature OF that hosiery is that the
floor plan is 30 elastic that suites can be
enlarged or made smaller at short notice
All the partitions too. are hreproof
In putting up that building the services
OF experienced men on sound PROBING
and on designing. manufacturing and
erecting partitions were given free play.
The cost OF that building was not much
more than tho older and cheaper hostleries.
and yet its suites are rented by the day or
longer at prices about the same as at the
older and less inviting houses.
The more one analyses the changes and
their causes I'm building in New York, the
more important looms the work OF the
heads OF steel foundries. OF iron works, of
cement and stone quarries, and OF the
manufacturers OF plumbing supplies. OF
brick. OF partitions. OF fire proofing mate
rial. OF sound proofing products Of safety
doors Of all kinds OF floor and ceiling
metals and OF many other things.
The concerns that install steam heating
apparatus water pipes, that build almost
miles Of steps reaching from the lowest
sut-story beneath the main floor TO The
, roof. that lay the sidewalks about the
building and others that do many other
things yearly spend thousands of dollars to
improve the service they furnish. They are
always abreast OF the times, as the say
ing is
Specialists are needed In every sphere Of
the building world. and 1t Is the duty OF
the architect 10 use TO the fullest extent
the mental attachments OF those experts.
Fine Building Companies.
Most structures in New York are put up
by contracting building concerns.
What wonderful organizations are the
majority Of those concerns! One OF their
principal aims Is to obtain the greatest
possible dispatch with the highest eff
cheney. They are the master forces, as II
were. that respond instantly TO the de-
mands OF owners and architects.
Dispatch is probably more highly valued
I'm New York than anywhere else. We're
building changes to disturb the business
marts New York would be loath To forslke
or see altered in any degree It's old build
ing landmarks
VIVA, viii he the tallest office structure
In the world Is being erected on the Broad
way block front opposite the old Federal
Building, better known as the general post
Office II is called the Woolworth, after
it's chief owner. Frank w. Woolwortn. Its
massive steel skeleton frame and its eX-
terror walls are almost I'm place. The cree
ton Of the building has at times slightly