Everything You Need to Know About the Empire State Building in New York City

Where is the Empire State Building Located?

The Empire State Building is nested in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street.

Address: Empire State Building, 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 | Find on maps

History of the Empire State Building

With the aim to be the world’s very first 100+ story building, the construction of the iconic Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930. The construction of the building was completed in 1 year and 45 days. On May 1, 1931, President Herbert Hoover inaugurated the Empire State Building by pressing a button from the White House that turned on the building’s lights.

The idea of the Empire State Building came into being as a competition between Walter Chrysler of the Chrysler Corporation and John Jakob Raskob of General Motors, who competed to see who would build the taller building. Chrysler has begun work on the famous Chrysler Building. Meanwhile, Raskob had assembled a group of investors, who had chosen the architecture firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Associates to design the building.

The frame of the building grew four-and-a-half stories per week. During its completion, the Empire State Building began the world’s tallest skyscraper with 102 stories and 1,250 feet high.

In 1946, 15 years after its opening, the Empire State Building became the headquarters of a major organization with more than 15,000 employees. This made it the world’s most profitable building and the most recognizable and beloved piece of architecture.

Who Built the Empire State Building?

The duo behind the construction of the Empire State Building was John J. Raskob and Al Smith. The general contractor involved was Starrett Brother & Eken, the recognized leader in the construction of the skyscraper.

Architecture of the Empire State Building

With a soaring height and great design, the Empire State Building defines the New York City skyline. It has the world’s most beautiful Art Deco design that has inspired a lot of its visitors around the world and is a living piece of New York’s history and a symbol of the city’s culture.

During sunset, the 200-foot crowning spire illuminates with tower lights that dazzle with numerous combos of colors. A lot of the building’s key design elements, right from its lighting to glasswork to the marble interiors had weathered. Many of these defining pieces were in danger of being missing.

Currently, more than 12,000 feet of historic glassware is recreated with great attention to detail by historians and artisans. The damaged marble is removed and replaced with new stone. Standing at 102 stories height, the Empire State Building was the tallest for nearly 40 years after its completion. Today, it continues to be the world’s great tower and an architectural wonder.

Efforts are in place for a more sustainable Empire State Building with new energy-efficient technology put in place with zero compromises in its beauty and design ensuring the structure continues to be a global icon for generations.