The Woolworth Building, Untapped Cities, and the Downtown Alliance Celebrate the Future of History in New York City
New York, NY (February 2, 2026) — The Woolworth Building, in partnership with Untapped Cities and the Downtown Alliance, hosted From Cathedral of Commerce to Catalyst of Culture, an evening of conversation and cultural programming focused on the active role historic buildings like the Woolworth Building play in contemporary and creative business.
First completed in 1913, and long known as the “Cathedral of Commerce,” the Woolworth Building is one of New York City’s most iconic architectural landmarks. More than a century later under the direction of Cammeby’s, the building is entering a new phase that positions it as both a hub for history, culture and design in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
The event, held Wednesday, January 28, brought together architects, designers, developers, creatives, tenants, and civic leaders for an experience rooted in a shared belief championed by Untapped Cities, the Downtown Alliance, and Cammeby’s: that the city’s most important buildings are not static monuments, but are living environments shaped by how people gather and work today.
The evening began with a guided architectural tour led by Untapped Cities, offering guests rare access to the Woolworth Building’s craftsmanship and legacy in Lower Manhattan. The tour framed a broader conversation about the building’s continued relevance and evolution.
Following the tour, guests gathered for a panel discussion featuring leading voices in architecture, preservation, and design, including Carol Willis, Founder and Director of the Skyscraper Museum; Gregg Pasquarelli, Founding Principal at SHoP Architecture; Ron Castellano, Founder of Studio Castellano; and Nate Rogers, Partner at Beyer Blinder Belle Architects. Moderated by Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer at Untapped Cities, the conversation explored the evolving role of place in a post-pandemic, hybrid-work world, where offices, cultural institutions, and civic spaces are increasingly expected to foster connection, inspiration, and community. The panel all shared their thoughts on how landmark buildings can serve as conveners of culture and catalysts for exchange, rather than passive backdrops for work.
“For decades, the Woolworth was a symbol of commerce,” said Aisling Gregory, who leads marketing and programming for the building. “What we’re exploring now is how a historic building can also be a platform for culture—where ideas are exchanged, creativity is visible, and business feels human again.”
Complementing the discussion, guests experienced a contemporary art installation by artist Aaron Asis featuring historical imagery of the Woolworth Building alongside original fragments from its façade. By juxtaposing archival images with physical remnants of the building itself, the installation invited viewers to consider the Woolworth as both an artifact of history and a living canvas—underscoring the role of art in re-energizing legacy spaces and deepening emotional connection to place.
The program concluded with a cocktail reception and informal networking, allowing conversations sparked during the tour and panel to continue organically within the building’s storied interiors.
From Cathedral of Commerce to Catalyst of Culture reflects a broader, shared mission among the Woolworth Building, Untapped Cities, and the Downtown Alliance to celebrate Downtown Manhattan as a dynamic cultural ecosystem—one where history, architecture, creativity, and business intersect to shape the city’s next chapter.
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About The Alliance for Downtown New York
Alliance for Downtown New York: The mission of the Alliance for Downtown New York is to provide service, advocacy, research, and information to advance Lower Manhattan as a global model of a 21st-century Central Business District for businesses, residents, and visitors. The Downtown Alliance manages the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District (BID), serving an area that roughly covers everything south of City Hall and along three waterfronts (East River, Hudson River, and NY Harbor). The Downtown Alliance strives to make Lower Manhattan a wonderful place to live, work and play by creating a vibrant, multi-use neighborhood where businesses can prosper, and the residential community can flourish.
About LM Live
LM Live is a programming initiative designed by the Downtown Alliance to bring the Lower Manhattan community together around events that highlight the neighborhood’s talent, innovation, history, and culture. LM Live events strive to create in-person connections in a digital world.
About Untapped New York
Untapped New York: Untapped New York is a tour and media company driven by a mission of discovery. Founded in 2009 and powered by a team of passionate New Yorkers, Untapped New York transforms how locals and visitors experience the city through behind-the-scenes, expert-guided tours and captivating stories that reveal the city’s overlooked hidden gems.
About Cammeby’s
Founded in 1967 by Rubin Schron, Cammeby’s is a privately held real estate investment firm with a diversified portfolio encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the United States. Headquartered in New York City, Cammeby’s is renowned for its long-term investment approach and commitment to preserving the character and integrity of its properties. Notable holdings include iconic assets such as the Woolworth Building, where Cammeby’s continues to honor the building’s historic significance while nurturing strong relationships with tenants and the surrounding community.