The Empire State Building, located in Midtown Manhattan, is an iconic piece of New York City's skyline. This Art Deco marvel was completed in 1931, during the Great Depression, and held the title of the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years.
Breaking Ground and Building Up
Construction began on March 17, 1930, and the building was completed in a record 410 days, opening its doors on May 1, 1931. Remarkably, no one died during the construction, which was quite a feat for the time. The project was spearheaded by John J. Raskob, a former executive of General Motors, and Alfred E. Smith, a former New York governor.
Stats and Facts
- The building stands at 1,454 feet (including its antenna), with 102 floors.
- It was the first building to have over 100 floors.
- The building contains 73 elevators and was one of the first to employ an elevator system that could reach such heights.
Hidden Gems and Trivia
- The Empire State Building's top floors were originally intended to be a mooring mast for dirigibles (airships). Unfortunately, this idea was scrapped due to the dangerous updrafts around the building.
- The building's spire was added at the last minute to ensure it would surpass the Chrysler Building as the tallest in the world.
- Every year, the building hosts a Valentine's Day wedding event where couples can get married or renew their vows on the 80th floor.
- It has its own zip code: 10118.
Lights, Camera, Action!
The building’s tower lights are used to celebrate various events and holidays. They have been lit in colors representing everything from St. Patrick's Day to Pride Month.
Pop Culture Icon
The Empire State Building has appeared in more than 250 movies, including the classic "King Kong" (1933), where the giant ape famously climbs to the top. It has also been featured in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Elf."
Observatories
The Empire State Building has two observatories: one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd floor. The 86th-floor observatory is an open-air deck, while the 102nd floor offers a more enclosed experience.
Sustainability Efforts
In recent years, the building has undergone extensive retrofitting to become more energy-efficient. It achieved a LEED Gold certification in 2011, proving that even an old building can go green.
Fun with Numbers
- The building has 6,514 windows.
- It took 10 million bricks and 57,000 tons of steel to construct.
- The iconic broadcast antenna was added in 1950.
The Empire State Building isn't just a skyscraper; it's a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the American spirit.