The first commercial elevator was installed on 23 March 1857 at the E.V. Haughwout Building in New York City. It was designed by Elisha Otis, who had invented a safety mechanism that prevented the elevator from falling if the hoisting cable broke. This invention made elevators safe for public use and revolutionized building design, allowing for the construction of taller structures. The installation of the elevator at the Haughwout Building marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of elevators in commercial buildings, transforming the urban landscape and shaping modern architecture.