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Manhattan Life Insurance Building facts for kids

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Manhattan Life Insurance Building
Manhattan Life Insurance Company Building New York City.jpg
Record height
Tallest in New York City from 1894 to 1899
Preceded by New York World Building
Surpassed by Park Row Building
General information
Status Demolished
Type Commercial offices
Location 64–70 Broadway, 17–19 New Street
New York City, New York
Coordinates 40°42′28″N 74°00′42″W / 40.70778°N 74.01167°W / 40.70778; -74.01167
Construction started 1893
Completed 1894
Demolished 1963 or 1964
Height
Roof 348 ft (106 m)
Technical details
Floor count 18
Design and construction
Architect Kimball & Thompson
Structural engineer Charles Sooysmith

The Manhattan Life Insurance Building was a very tall building in New York City. It stood on Broadway in an area called the Financial District of Manhattan. This district is known for its many businesses and tall buildings.

The building was 348 ft (106 m) (about 106 meters) tall. It was finished in 1894. The architects, Kimball & Thompson, designed the original building. It was located at 64–66 Broadway. In 1904, the building was made a bit bigger. It expanded north to include 68–70 Broadway. This building was special because it was the first skyscraper in Manhattan to be taller than 100 m (330 ft).

A Skyscraper's Story

The Manhattan Life Insurance Building was built for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company. This company needed a large office space. The building quickly became a famous landmark. It showed how quickly New York City was growing upwards.

Changing Owners Over Time

Over the years, the building changed owners several times. In 1926, the Manhattan Life Insurance Company sold it. A person named Frederick Brown bought it first. Then, just a few weeks later, he sold it again. The new owner was the Manufacturer's Trust Company.

In 1928, another company bought part of the building. This was the Central Union Trust Company. They already had offices next door. They bought the section at 70 Broadway. Later, the Central Union Trust Company moved their main offices into the Manhattan Life Building. They made some changes to the building to fit their needs.

The End of a Landmark

The Manhattan Life Insurance Building stood tall for many years. However, in the 1960s, plans were made for a new building. This new building would be an addition to the nearby 1 Wall Street skyscraper. Because of these plans, the Manhattan Life Insurance Building had to be taken down.

The building was demolished, meaning it was torn down. This happened in either 1963 or 1964. It made way for the new construction. Even though it's gone, the Manhattan Life Insurance Building is remembered as an important part of New York City's history. It was a pioneer among the city's many famous skyscrapers.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Manhattan Life Insurance Building para niños

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