The Empire State Building is synonymous with New York City. For forty years it stood not only as New York City’s tallest building, but the tallest building in the world. Sadly, it regained it’s fame as New York’s tallest building after September 11, 2001 upon the attack and destruction of the World Trade Center.
How High is the Empire State Building?
For many years its 102 stories (1,250 ft/381 m high) made it the tallest building in the world.
The Art-Deco style building was a phenomenon when it opened on March 1, 1931, after two years of planning and construction. The architectural firm of Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon supposedly drew up the plans in two weeks, designing the building from the spire on top to the ground. Construction began in 1930 and several workers, mostly European immigrants, died by falling to their deaths. It is located in downtown Manhattan, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. It holds the distinction of being one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and was named an historical landmark in 1986.
Unlike the modern “Sears Tower,” the Empire State Building has the classical appeal of the art deco style that was embraced in the 1920s and 30s. Many buildings throughout the world constructed during this period were also modeled in this artistic, architectural style.
The interior of the Empire State Building, although renovated throughout the years, still gives one the impression of being in the 1930s. The Art Deco style is evident throughout the building, from the clocks on the walls to the lobby entrance.
Unlike other tall buildings which only have a single observation tower enclosed by glass, the Empire State Building has two observation decks. It is one of the most popular observatories in the world and each year, approximately 110 million people visit the Empire State Building.
The first observation deck is not enclosed, except by railings. It is located on the 86th Floor and is quite large. There is also an indoor area decks. From this point, on a clear day, one can see a view of virtually all of Manhattan. The 86th floor observation deck also has telescope-like machines where one can get a closer observation of a particular area or building.
The second observation deck, on the 110 floor is completely enclosed and much smaller than the 86th Floor observatory. It is located in just below the spire and looks like a round bubble from the outside. This observatory was closed in 1999 and re-opened in 2005 after renovation. Although this deck is at a greater height, the 86th floor observatory gives one a better view of the city below.
Including the spire on the top of the building, The Empire State Building stands nearly 1,500 feet high, making it ideal for radio broadcast. RCA began broadcasting from the tower in 1931. Until late 2001, the Empire State Building was the main site for broadcasting radio frequencies in New York. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, many commercial stations, fearing another attack, moved their broadcasting stations to other buildings.
The Empire State Building is an important part of American culture and heritage. It symbolizes a desire to achieve greater heights than one can imagine. To really capture the flavor of New York City, one must visit the Empire State Building.
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About the Author: Jeff Mills is a former Youth Pastor who is now a full time internet information entrepreneur, book author, speaker, marketer, and also an avid traveler. To get more free money saving travel tips, read more at his blog, Global Resorts Network and learn how the Global Resorts Sales and Call Center will help you earn money with your own full service travel club business. Jeff will teach you "My Story Marketing and Branding", online marketing, outsourcing and Web 2.0 Media Marketing, and invites you to call his home office at 651-769-2189 or his GRN Future Sales Hotline at 800-262-3312 with ID IM123. |
