Member-only story
Why Is There a WWI Airplane on the Top of a Building in NYC?
The building at 77 Water Street in New York City could be mistaken for just another office tower in the city, but it has something other buildings don’t. A World War I airplane sits on its roof, looking ready to take off.
It’s not an original World War I airplane but a replica of a 1916 Sopwith Camel. It was designed by Rudolph de Harakmade and erected by William Tarr, a sculptor, while the building was constructed in 1969. It’s been in the same spot after being placed there by a crane when the building opened in 1970.
The replica Sopwith Camel sits on its own artificial turf runway, complete with landing lights and a windsock. The turf is even emblazoned with a 77 (the building’s number) that takes on the appearance of a runway number (even though runway numbers don’t go that high).
The airplane isn’t open to be viewed by the public, and the only people who can get an up-close view are those with access to the roof. The only other way to see the airplane…
