June 11, 2025 • F.W. Woolworth Co.

Concrete Poured for Elevator Pit Foundation at the Woolworth Building

Fresh concrete being poured over rebar inside the Woolworth elevator pit.
Crews pour concrete into the new foundation for Woolworth’s upgraded elevator shaft.

As part of major structural updates to the Woolworth building, crews pour new concrete in the elevator pit, forming a base for an updated shaft that meets current building codes.

To make this possible, demolition crews first removed multiple layers of old concrete at the base of the elevator shaft. This cleared the depth needed for a safe and structurally sound foundation.

A steel rebar cage is set within wooden forms at the bottom of the new elevator shaft at the Woolworth building.
Rebar cage in place inside the elevator pit, ready for the concrete pour.

After excavation, crews formed a new pit and installed a steel rebar cage engineered to carry the future elevator load. With the cage set, they poured concrete to finish the base.

Cement mixer truck at the rear entrance of the Woolworth building, delivering concrete for elevator shaft work.

A concrete truck arrives behind the Woolworth building to pour the new elevator pit foundation.

Construction workers use an excavator chute to pour concrete into a framed elevator shaft pit at the Woolworth building.

Crews guide fresh concrete into the pit—forming the base for Woolworth’s new elevator core.

Concrete pouring is a critical step, ensuring the Woolworth building can support a modern elevator with long-term strength and stability.

Workers smooth and level concrete at the bottom of the elevator shaft.

Crews monitor concrete leveling and finishing during the final elevator pit pour.

Read more about the full restoration plan for the F.W. Woolworth Co. building. 

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