American Stock Exchange Building

The American Stock Exchange Building is a 16-story limestone structure at 86 Trinity Place featuring Art Deco architecture with detailed carved reliefs and a central entrance positioned between Greenwich Street and Trinity Place. The facade displays geometric patterns and ornamental details that are typical of the Art Deco style.

The building opened in 1921 as a headquarters for stock trading, originally serving the New York Curb Exchange before a merger transformed it into the American Stock Exchange. It remained the center of trading operations for more than 80 years until those activities ended in 2008.

The building represents how Wall Street became the center of American finance and required a proper home for the trading operations that had moved from the streets. Its Art Deco design shows the era's faith in modern commerce and professional markets.

The landmark is located in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan near several subway stations, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors can see the interior lobby and exterior architecture since the building now houses retail and office spaces that are accessible to the public.

The building's design incorporated specific architectural features to support the hand signal system that traders had developed during years of outdoor street trading. These details show how the architecture was adapted to the unique needs of merchants moving indoors.