New York Stock Exchange

 Neoclassical (architecture), stock exchange, historic landmark, 1903_construction

The oldest of the three existing NYSE buildings, it is ten stories tall and faced in white Georgia marble. The neo-Classical design by George B. Post is modelled after the Parthenon, and was completed in 1903. It has a 2-story base supporting a colonnade of six enormous fluted Corinthian columns, framed by two pilasters, above which is an entablature and triangular pediment with an very large sculpted frieze, entitled "Integrity Protecting the Works of Man". The frieze was designed by J.Q.A. Ward and included 11 figures symbolizing American commerce and industry.

Above the pediment, a cornice with lion masks and a marble balustrade complete the facade. The first story of the seven-bay wide base has five flat-arched entrances, with round-arched openings in the 2nd story bays above. Each bay has a balustraded balcony supported on elaborate console brackets. Behind the colonnade is a huge glass curtain wall, 96 feet long by 50 feet high, behind which is located the Exchange's main trading floor. The rear facade on New Street is similar in design, but without the pediment and frieze.

The NYSE was founded in 1792 and has existed on this site since 1865. An addition to the north, and later, an annex to the south were also constructed as the exchange expanded over the years.