Empire State Building: the History Behind this New York City Icon
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, it has been a symbol of the city of New York since it was completed in 1931.
The Empire State Building was initially proposed in 1929 by John Jakob Raskob, a prominent financier and businessman. He initially planned to build a 60-story skyscraper, which would be the tallest building in the world at the time. He hired the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon to design the building, and construction began in 1930.
The building was completed in just one year and one month, an incredibly quick construction time for such a large and impressive structure. The building featured 102 stories, with an observation deck on the 86th floor. On the 102nd floor, a mooring mast was installed, allowing airships to dock and refuel, a feature that made the Empire State Building the tallest man-made structure in the world.
The Empire State Building was named after the nickname given to New York State, the “Empire State”. The name was first used by George Washington in 1785 and was made official by the state legislature in 1786.
The building was officially opened on May 1st, 1931, with a spectacular opening ceremony. Over 1 million people attended the opening ceremony and it was broadcast on the radio.
Since its opening, the Empire State Building has become a symbol of New York City, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 1981, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and in 1994, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark District.
Its primary purpose is as an office building, with more than 80 percent of its office space leased. It is also a popular tourist attraction, with observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Tourists can take a self-guided tour of the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, which offers 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond. They can also visit the 102nd floor’s open-air observatory and the State-of-the-Art Dare To Dream Exhibit. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs, dine in the Crystal Room and enjoy the Sustainability Exhibit.
Today, the Empire State Building continues to be an important part of New York City, and it remains one of the most iconic and recognizable skyscrapers in the world, and its place along the New York skyline is forever cemented.
