Empire State Building – New York City

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The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper located in the Midtown South neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the building was constructed between 1930 and 1931. It stands at a total height of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), including its antenna. The name “Empire State” is derived from New York State’s nickname.

Location and Contact Information

History and Construction

The site was initially developed in 1893 as the Waldorf–Astoria Hotel. In 1929, Empire State Inc. acquired the property and finalized the design after fifteen revisions to ensure it would be the world’s tallest building. Construction began on March 17, 1930, and was completed in just thirteen and a half months, officially opening on May 1, 1931.

Despite its rapid construction and impressive architectural feat, the building did not turn a profit until the early 1950s due to the Great Depression and World War II.

Architectural Features

  • Architectural Style: Art Deco
  • Architects: Yasuo Matsui, Arthur Loomis Harmon, William F. Lamb, Gregory Johnson
  • Height: 1,250 ft (380 m) to the roof, 1,454 ft (443.2 m) including the antenna
  • Floors: 102
  • Other Dimensions: 424 ft (129.2 m) east–west; 187 ft (57.0 m) north–south
  • Main Contractor: Starrett Brothers and Eken
  • Construction Cost: $40,948,900 (equivalent to $661 million in 2023)

Observatories and Tourism

The Empire State Building is a world-renowned tourist attraction, drawing approximately four million visitors annually. It features three observatories:

  • 80th Floor: Indoor observatory opened in 2019
  • 86th Floor: Open-air observatory
  • 102nd Floor: Highest observation deck

Cultural Significance

The Empire State Building is an internationally recognized symbol of New York City and has appeared in over 250 television series and films, including the classic King Kong (1933). It has been used as a reference point for measuring the height of other structures and is frequently illuminated in different colors to commemorate various events and celebrations.

  • Notable Recognitions:
    • One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World (American Society of Civil Engineers)
    • Ranked #1 Attraction in the World by Tripadvisor
    • Named America’s Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects in 2007
    • Designated a New York City Landmark in 1980
    • Added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1986

Tower Lightings

The Empire State Building is known for its spectacular lighting displays that honor various holidays, events, and causes. Some notable examples include:

  • Green for St. Patrick’s Day
  • Red to honor James Earl Jones, the legendary voice of Darth Vader
  • Philadelphia Eagles colors for their NFC Championship win

Visiting Information

  • Open: 365 days a year
  • Hours: Open daily, closes at 11 PM (Check official website for updates)
  • Special Access: Visitors can sign up for VIP entry and exclusive events

Legacy and Influence

The Empire State Building held the title of the world’s tallest building until 1970, when the first tower of the World Trade Center was completed. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, it once again became New York City’s tallest building until it was surpassed by One World Trade Center in 2012.

As of 2024, it remains:

  • The seventh-tallest building in New York City
  • The ninth-tallest completed skyscraper in the United States
  • The 57th-tallest completed skyscraper in the world

Video Gallery

Image Gallery

Empire State Building

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