The Daily News Building was built in 1930 to house the offices and printing presses of The New York Daily News, which was the largest newspaper in the United States at the time. The building was an instant sensation and quickly became a landmark in the cityscape. Its distinctive facade features two large horizontal strips of windows that run around the building’s exterior, and the Art-Deco motifs that adorn the entrance and lobby make it a true masterpiece of the style.
As with many New York City structures, the building was not without controversy. Its construction led to the demolition of the Romanesque-style St. Thomas Episcopal Church, which had been built in 1870. The demolition caused an outcry from preservationists who argued that the building was a significant piece of the city’s history. Despite the protests, the church was razed to make way for the Daily News Building.
The building’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior. The lobby is a grand space that features a magnificent mural by artist Hugo Gellert. The artwork depicts scenes from New York City life, such as the construction of the Empire State Building and a Yankees baseball game. The lobby also contains a unique wooden clock that was carved by the artist Walter Dorwin Teague.
One of the most interesting features of the building is the giant globe that sits in the lobby. The globe was built by the Rand McNally Company and is 12 feet in diameter. It was originally designed to rotate once an hour but was deactivated in the 1950s due to maintenance issues. However, in the lobby’s renovation in 1989, the globe was restored to full working order.
The Daily News Building had a unique printing process that helped make it one of the most productive printing facilities in the world. The presses used a system called “hot-metal” typesetting, which used molten lead to cast metal type. This process allowed the paper to print multiple editions throughout the day and ensured that the paper was delivered to readers quickly.
The Daily News Building had a significant impact on the city’s skyline and continued to be the home of The New York Daily News until 1995. The building was subsequently sold to the real estate firm SL Green and underwent a major renovation in the late 1990s. Today, the building is still a vital part of the city’s architectural and cultural history.
The Daily News Building is a testament to the city’s ability to adapt and transform over time. While the building’s printing presses may no longer be operational, the structure remains an important piece of the city’s past and present. Its Art-Deco style and unique features make it a must-see for visitors to New York City, and it continues to be a point of pride for the city’s residents.