The Empire State Building is one of the tallest buildings in the city of New York, the ‘Big Apple’. It is known as a National Historic Structure and the most prominent Office Building internationally. With a roof height of 1,250 feet, this 102 floor skyscraper is an eye catchy construction that has attracted innumerable tourists across the nation of American and even other nations of the world. Visit the Empire State Building to get a perfect representation of the fulfillment of dreams and ambitions that link individuals around the globe.
Statistics
The Empire State Building stood as the tallest building of the world on the face of the earth after it was fully constructed in the year 1931. It maintained its reputation as the world’s tallest building till 1972 which was eventually lost when the famous World Trade Center’s North Tower was built.
It is exactly 1,050 feet until its 86th floor Observatory which then extends to 1,250 feet to its 102nd floor Observatory. The ‘Broadcast Tower’, which is the 103rd floor of the building makes an addition of 203 feet and 8 9/16 inches. This highly tall construction marks its height as 1,453 feet and 8 9/16 inches in totality until the highest point of the broadcast tower. It occupies an area of 79,288 square feet and weighs 365,000 tons.
It took 730 tons of stainless steel and aluminum, 57,000 tons of steel, and ten million bricks approximately to raise up this huge construction. It has got 73 elevators, 6,514 windows, and 5 major entrances to have a look at the construction. This $41 million enthralling property took 7 million man-hours to complete its construction.
Background
The aspiring Empire State Building was formally designed by William F. Lamb associated with the architectural organization named ‘Shreve, Lamb and Harmon’. The blueprint was created in merely two weeks time by taking some insights from the construction designs of Carew Tower and Reynolds Building built in the states of North Carolina and Ohio respectively.
There were 3,400 construction laborers participating in the Empire State Building construction. The construction was initiated on St. Patrick’s Day, i.e., March 17, 1930. On May 1, 1931, Herbert Hoover, the President of the USA officially opened the building by switching on its lights from the US capital Washington D.C.
Greatest Tourist Attractions
The Empire State Building has a wide range of tourists attractions that are worth visiting. Let us take a look at some of the greatest highlights of the building.
Floodlights
One of the greatest empire state building attractions is the ‘floodlights’ that light up the building entirely, especially during special events. The colors used for illuminating the construction are opted as per the ongoing seasons and themes of the special events carried out.
Mural
The lobby areas receive appreciations from the tourists due their glistening and aesthetic deco mural invigorated by the machine era and the sky theme. The mural is now reconstructed using 1,300 square feet of 23-karat gold leaf and 15,000 square feet of Aluminium.
86th Floor Observatory
View the famous spots of the city from the spectacularly built 86th floor observatory. From this observatory, you get can a clear view of the Queensboro Bridge, Roosevelt Island, and the East River. Get to see the 1,046 feet tall- ‘The Chrysler Building’- which soon lost its title as the world’s tallest building after the Empire State building was structured. Besides, you can get a chance to view the ‘Williamsburg Bridge’, which is New York City’s suspension bridge that connects Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Brooklyn at Broadway.
Lift up your eyes to the north from the 86th Floor Observatory to an authentic appearance of the Bryant Park, which is one of the signature attractions of New York City for the holidaymakers and an after-work location for the corporate professionals.
102nd Floor Observatory
16 floors up is the 102nd floor observatory which is regarded as the highest public viewing spot of the city. Here, you get an opportunity to get a 360 degree full view of the city through a climate regimented corridor that offers cozy perches. Looking at the south of the city through this impressively structured observatory, you will find the best views of New York Harbor and the Lower Manhattan.
The observatory gives you a good look of the ‘George Washington Bridge’, which is a glorious bridge of all times in the city. It is often used by the film directors to add an aesthetic viewing experience for the viewers.
Broadcast Tower
When you finally reach the top of the Empire State Building, you explore the ‘Broadcast Tower’, which is the highest antenna positions in New York City. You can get a closer look at the city’s largest broadcasting stations for both television and radio commercials. The antenna spire is a notable attraction at the tower which has a small antenna erected that transmits the broadcasts.
New York Skyride
Get an impeccable sightseeing experience with New York Skyride that expressively introduces you to New York City. This is your chance to explore New York City’s attractive landmarks via this only virtual tour simulator of the city.
The Run-Up
If you are a good runner and a climbing enthusiast, you can participate in the Empire State Building Run-Up contest that initiates from the ground level and ends up to the 86th floor of the building. Paul Crake, an Australian, had set up a bench mark of 9 min. and 33 sec. for completing this race-up race of 1,050 feet back in the year 2003.
The Viewing Experience Enricher
New York City’s iconic structure- The Empire State Building- makes an addition of a brand-new, perpetual ‘Documentary Style Exhibit’ on its 80th floor. It highlights the pioneering work of the architects, engineers, and labors through photographs, sketches, periodicals, banner, documents, and other informative materials to add to the knowledge and enriches the viewing experience of the visitors.
The Visit
The Empire State Building is open from 8 am to 2 am irrespective of the climatic conditions. The last elevator runs at 1:15 am; therefore, ensure that you reach the building before time. You can visit the official site for buying tickets in advance. At the office, you can physically collect the tickets by paying through cash, travelers check, and recognized credit cards.
Don’t miss on the exciting trip to the Empire State Building. It’s an intensifying and a pleasant place to spend your day.