The Whitehall Building and Annex are two connected buildings near the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City's Financial District. The original building, built in 1904, was designed by architect Henry J. Hardenbergh. Seeing demand for more space, the developers quickly put together plans to expand. Architecture firm Clinton and Russell was commissioned to design the taller Whitehall Annex, completed in 1910.Both buildings are designed in the Beaux-Arts style, featuring such details as dramatic rounded arches, detailed sculpturing, and a vibrant mix of colored stone. At heights of roughly 275ft (83m) and 424ft (129m) respectively, the Whitehall Building and Annex were among the tallest buildings in the early days of New York City's race towards the sky. Then located along the westernmost edge of Manhattan, the buildings stood in a particularly prominent location.In the century-plus that has passed since construction, the building has faced wear and tear that has seen several architectural elements removed or damaged. This model intends to recreate the two buildings as they appeared in their original glory.

(NOTE: A lesser known, much later 2nd expansion was added to the Whitehall Building in 1972, built in the International style. The model does not include this modern addition.)