The Life Insurance Companies have of late virtually undertaken to excel all others in architectural enterprises. The building just reared by the Equitable Life Insurance Company, on the corner of Cedar street and Broadway, is an example of what men and money can accomplish, and may be termed one of the later wonders of Manhattan. It has a frontage of 87 feet on Broadway, is 187 feet deep on Cedar street, and is 137 feet high. Its massive iron columns and substantial construction give the surest evidence of permanency.

The building of the New York Life Insurance Company, corner of Broadway and Leonard street, is scarcely less striking. It is constructed of white marble in the Ionic order, its chief entrance-way being richly ornamented. The public need not be alarmed at the report of the millions lavished by the managers of these companies on imposing business temples, as the demand for first-class offices is so great that a large revenue is annually realized from the investment.