May 27, 2025 • F.W. Woolworth Co.

East Stairwell Shaft Rebuild Begins at the Woolworth Building

Stacked concrete masonry units forming the base of the new stairwell shaft.
The first eight-foot section of concrete blocks marks the start of the stairwell rebuild.

Demolition work inside the historic Woolworth building has progressed to a critical reconstruction phase. The east stairwell, which was not code-compliant, was fully removed to make way for a new stair structure that meets current safety codes and design standards.

To enable this upgrade, crews first cut into the existing concrete slab to accommodate reinforcements. Then, a new stairwell foundation was formed and poured, establishing the base for vertical construction. Once the foundation cured and was ready, masons laid the first eight-foot section of concrete blocks, marking the start of the shaft rebuild.

Construction crew prepares space for stairwell reinforcements.
Workers cut through the existing slab to prepare for the new stairwell foundation.
Fresh concrete poured into wooden forms for the new stairwell foundation.
Concrete was poured to create the stairwell base.

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

Restoration Updates | See daily progress on Historic Cleveland Street

An exciting new chapter of historic restoration begins for four unique properties on Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater.
See the magnificent transformation now underway