The building's articulation consists of three horizontal sections similar to the components of a column, namely a base, shaft, and capital. However, unlike in other buildings where the base and capital were more elaborate than the shaft, the entire facade of 195 Broadway consisted of sustained decoration of superimposed orders, similar to ancient Greek and Roman buildings such as the Septizodium in Rome or the Library of Pergamum in what is now Turkey. The facade was thus composed of a Doric colonnade along the double-height first floor, and eight sets of triple-height Ionic colonnades on subsequent stories. The Doric columns at the base supported a frieze running along the top of the first floor. The lowest story of each layer of Ionic colonnades contained mullions and spandrels made of stone, which contributed to the building's solidity. A tall parapet at the building's top was intended to show strength and solidity binding the columns, as did the structure's transitional bays. The entire facade was designed like this except for the campanile-like tower on Fulton Street.