It appears there are people at the top of the dome. If so, I'd imagine the view was worth the climb.

Speaking of enlarging the New York Tribune Building -- am I correct that in this 1905 photograph the World [Pultizer] Building is being enlarged? To me it looks as if the building is being nearly doubled in size on the back side. I cannot find a reference to a later addition … as if it matters now. But it makes me think that in 1905 there was competition afoot.

When this photo was taken, the New York Tribune Building (at center) had just been "supersized" to the height shown here; before 1903 it was merely 10 floors tall. It was more than doubled in height in 1903-1905, reusing architectural elements of the original structure -- like the entire tower. At the extreme right, the red-brick Potter Building of 1883-1886 still stands after being converted from offices to apartments.

The World Building was demolished in 1955 for the expanded car ramp entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Tribune Building was torn down in 1966 to build One Pace Plaza, the central building of the Pace University campus, as part of the urban renewal project that included the World Trade Center.

After the New York Times relocated to Times Square in 1905, the former Times Building was renamed 41 Park Row and enlarged. Architect Robert Maynicke designed the alteration, which included the removal of the original mansard roof and the inclusion of two additional stories. Today, Pace University occupies the building.

Of the architectural variety. Something I miss in today's metal and glass facades. There's plenty to interest the eye in those buildings. I'm not an architect, but I prefer the older buildings. Here in Boston, there are still a few by H H Richardson and his disciples.

For what it's worth, I like the Tribune building the best. I would have loved to explore its upper floors and climb the tower.