What is the building known for?

It is a 927-foot-tall neo-Gothic skyscraper that was the first of three Manhattan skyscrapers to break the world height record during the Roaring Twenties, surpassing the Woolworth Building.

When was it built and who designed it?

The building was erected between 1929 and 1930. It was designed by H. Craig Severance, Yasuo Matsui, and Shreve & Lamb.

Is the building a historic landmark?

Yes, it is a New York City designated landmark, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a contributing property to the Wall Street Historic District.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Bank of Manhattan Trust Building in New York City

Q: Where is the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building located?

The Bank of Manhattan Trust Building is located at 40 Wall Street, between Nassau and William streets in the Financial District of Manhattan, New York City.

Bank of Manhattan Trust Building

A neo-Gothic masterpiece at 40 Wall Street, this skyscraper once held the title of tallest building in the world, serving as the headquarters for the Manhattan Company during the Roaring Twenties.

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What to know

Located in the heart of the Financial District, the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building stands at 40 Wall Street between Nassau and William streets. Erected between 1929 and 1930, this 927-foot-tall neo-Gothic skyscraper served as the headquarters for the Manhattan Company. The design was a collaboration between H. Craig Severance, Yasuo Matsui, and the firm Shreve & Lamb. The tower represents a bold era of speculative venture, led by the Starrett Brothers and an investment group headed by G. L. Ohrstrom. Upon its completion, the building achieved global fame by surpassing the Woolworth Building, which had held the record since 1912. For a brief period during the Roaring Twenties, it was the tallest building in the world. Beyond its height, the structure was designed for high-capacity financial operations. It housed four distinct Manhattan Company subsidiaries: the Bank of Manhattan Safe Deposit Company, the International Manhattan Company, the International Acceptance Bank, and the Bank of Manhattan Trust Company. Today, the building is recognized as a New York City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also serves as a contributing property to the Wall Street Historic District, preserving the architectural legacy of New York's financial epicenter.

Visitor tips

Look up to appreciate the neo-Gothic details of the 927-foot tower.
Visit during the day to see how the setback design interacts with the surrounding Financial District skyline.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as this stop is part of the dense Wall Street Historic District.

Nearby context

Situated at 40 Wall Street, the building is a cornerstone of the Wall Street Historic District. It stands as a contrast to other nearby financial monuments, such as the neo-Georgian skyscraper at 48 Wall Street, which was erected for the Bank of New York & Trust Company.