3. The American Radiator Building is the First New York Skyscraper With Dramatic Exterior Lighting
The American Radiator Building is the first New York skyscraper to feature dramatic exterior lighting. Because Hood did not want lights to be turned on after dark, he directed that the building’s upper floors be illuminated with floodlights. The visual impact made the structure “one of the sights of the city” at night, attracting the attention of passing pedestrians.