Thread: What's that on the Roof?!?

Why Is There a WWI Biplane On The Roof of This NYC Skyscraper?


The William Kaufman Organization had the right idea when it built an office tower at 77 Water Street in New York City. Instead of installing drab air conditioning units on the roof, the company plopped down a 1917 biplane.

The company didn't do it for kicks, they did it for their neighbors who have to look down on the pint-size building. The WWI British Sopwith Camel is an artistic re-creation that was hoisted by crane to the top of the building in 1969. To the delight of those nearby, the plane has stayed there ever since.

This isn't the only example of creative building design by the William Kaufman Organization. Other buildings owned by the company include a rooftop penny candy store and a tiled picture of a cat chasing a canary.

Why Is There a WWI Biplane On The Roof of This NYC Skyscraper?

Map can be seen here:
77 Water St, New York, NY 10005-4401 - Google Maps


Pretty cool if you ask me.

Thats really cool, now I want to see it in person!

King Kong left it back there back in 1930's

Originally Posted by rstang42

King Kong left it back there back in 1930's

That's pretty cool, however I hope that they installed that + AC, because if they left out AC for that, it must suck for employees

Very cool! ^ If you look on google maps it looks like the ac units are next to it. That would suck if not.

Thats a great ideal. Very cool

Very awesome. I had always known about it, but I didn't know any real information on it. Thank you. That plane looks awfully beat up...