77 Water Street

When passing by, the office building at 77 Water Street doesn’t seem out of the ordinary—perhaps even boring compared to the surrounding structures. However, it’s actually one of the more unusual buildings in New York’s Financial District.

From the ground, you can spot several artistic installations, such as a futuristic payphone and a fully functioning old-fashioned candy shop located off to the side of the lobby. But arguably the most interesting aspect of this building isn’t visible from street level. It requires a more elevated view, as the building features what looks like an airplane runway on its roof.

Many daydreaming office workers have likely looked down from their window and wondered about the plane’s history and how it came to rest atop a Wall Street high-rise. Some may be disappointed to learn that the plane is no antique at all, but a replica modeled after a 1916 British Sopwith Camel. And it didn’t land there in dramatic fashion—it was placed on the roof by crane in 1969, a year before the building officially opened for business.

Unfortunately, the rooftop installation has weathered poorly over the decades. The runway has lost much of its grass, and the plane has been covered by a net since the early 2010s. However, it appears that both the runway and plane will be renovated as part of the building’s current restoration.

According to Robert Kaufman, president of the William Kaufman Organization (the New York real estate developer behind the building), the plane was conceived as a way to give people in nearby condos and offices something interesting to look at—a piece of art made for locals rather than tourists. The work was created by Melvyn Kaufman, who was also behind several other whimsical projects across New York City.

The candy store was incorporated into the lobby as part of Kaufman’s effort to humanize the building.

In addition to its offbeat offerings, 77 Water Street is also home to more traditional decorative features, including a variety of art installations.

The William Kaufman Organization is known for infusing some whimsy into its properties—many of which include the number 7 in their addresses. For example, 767 Third Avenue, another Kaufman building, is adorned with what is claimed to be the world’s largest chess board.

May 2025 Update: The building is undergoing extensive renovations, and most of the art is currently inaccessible. The candy shop remains open.