What building hosted the world's first New Year's Eve ball drop in 1907?

The world's first New Year's Eve ball drop in 1907 took place at One Times Square.

The building was originally the headquarters of The New York Times, whose move there helped give Longacre Square its new name, Times Square. After fireworks were restricted, the newspaper's chief electrician, Walter F. Palmer, arranged a replacement spectacle: a large illuminated ball lowered from the building's flagpole.

That first ball was made of iron and wood, was about five feet in diameter, and was illuminated with electric lamps. The event established a tradition that continues at the same location, even though the building has changed owners and uses.

The ball has been redesigned several times, becoming brighter and more technologically elaborate. The address remains the key landmark; the event is often described by the square's name, while the physical drop occurs at One Times Square.