The Empire State Building Art Deco At It s Height
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
The Empire State Building: Art Deco at Its Finest
Introduction
The Empire State Building, an iconic piece of the New York City skyline, is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. Construction began on March 17, 1930, fittingly on St. Patrick’s Day. Remarkably, the onset of the Great Depression reduced its cost to approximately $25 million, half of the anticipated budget.
Features of the Empire State Building
Soaring to a height of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), the Empire State Building boasts 103 floors, 6,500 windows, and 73 elevators. Supported by a dedicated staff of about 250, it includes two observatories accessible by high-speed elevators: the 86th floor (around 1,050 feet/320 meters) and the 102nd floor. These observatories welcome visitors every day of the year from 8 A.M. to 2 A.M. Located at 350 Fifth Avenue, the building offers a self-guided audio tour and hosts about 20,000 employees, making it one of the few buildings with its own zip code.
Historical Significance
For 41 years, the Empire State Building held the title of the tallest building in the world until it was surpassed by the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Following the events of September 11, it reclaimed its status as New York City's tallest structure and ranks second in the United States, with Chicago's Willis Tower taking the top spot. On June 24, 1986, it was designated a National Historical Landmark and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Origins and Design
The building's site was initially the John Thomson Farm in the late 18th century and later became the location of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, a hub for New York's elite in the 19th century. Designed in just two weeks by architect Gregory Johnson of Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon, and financed by John J. Raskob, the building was completed in a record 410 days and officially opened on May 31, 1931. President Herbert Hoover illuminated the building from Washington, D.C., in a grand display. Initially, due to the Great Depression, it struggled to be profitable, earning the nickname "Empty State Building" until 1950.
Unique Events and Lighting
The Empire State Building's grandeur has led to several notable incidents. On July 28, 1945, a B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into the 79th floor, causing $1 million in damage but leaving the structure intact. During bird migration seasons, its famous lights are turned off on foggy nights to prevent disoriented birds from colliding with the building.
The lighting of the Empire State Building changes to reflect seasons and events. For Christmas, it shines in red and green; it turned blue to honor Frank Sinatra's passing; and it went dark for fifteen minutes in memory of Fay Wray. Local sports events and national occasions are also commemorated with special lighting schemes. After September 11, 2001, the building remained illuminated in red, white, and blue for several months.
Cultural Impact
A staple of popular culture, the Empire State Building has appeared in countless films, including "An Affair to Remember," "King Kong," "Funny Face," "Guys and Dolls," "Sleepless in Seattle," "When Harry Met Sally," and numerous Woody Allen movies. It stands as a symbol not only of American architecture but also of rich cultural history.
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