The Empty State Building?! - Architecture of the Empire State Building

[Tain Con]

The Empire State Building has a rich history brimming with fascinating
elements. In its infancy, the Empire State Building was visualized as
a contender in a rivalry with the 40 Wall Street Building and the
Chrysler Building. The driving force in this competition was the honor
of being the innovator of the tallest and fastest built skyscraper in
the world. The construction of the 40 Wall Street Building began in
1929, nearly a year after the groundbreaking of the Chrysler Building.
Originally, it was proposed that the finished height would be 840
feet, two feet taller than the Chrysler Building. However, in an
attempt to combat any last minute revisions on the part of the
Chrysler team, the 40 Wall Street architects decided to add three
additional storeys, bringing the finished project to 927 feet. Upon
completion in April of 1930, the 40 Wall Street Building was
successfully dubbed the tallest building.

This accomplishment was thwarted soon after, by the Chrysler
Building's unveiling. In an underhanded scheme to win, tycoon Walter
Chrysler had his claim to glory erected atop his massive structure; a
125-foot stainless steel spire, creating a total height of 1,048 feet.
Feeling satisfied that his victory could not be surpassed; Walter
Chrysler concluded construction calling it a complete success. Much to
Chrysler's shock and dismay, the 1250-foot-high Empire State Building
materialized in May 1930, a mere 14 months after the project's
commencement. An exploit which not only shattered his building's
height record, but also broke records for the time necessary to
complete such a structure. The Empire State Building would retain its
status as the world's tallest building until the completion of the
World Trade Center's North Tower in 1971. However, the status was
returned to the Empire State Building following the tragic events of
September 11, 2001. A dark day in the Empire State Building's history
and the history of the entire nation, September 11th devastated much
of New York, including the World Trade Center.

Situated in the heart of New York's Garment District, this amazing
landmark welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world each
year, including many from its own neighborhood. With easy access by
public transportation and a convenient location, merely ten blocks
from Times Square, this destination is perfect for virtually anyone.
This beautifully designed skyscraper is home many spectacular sights
and exhibits. The sophisticated Empire Room can be found in what was
once the postal substation on the ground floor. This 3500-square-foot
art deco cocktail lounge radiates 1920s appeal and style reminiscent
of a simpler time and place. On the next floor visitors may ride the
one of a kind New York Sky Ride, a virtual tour above the entire city
offering a unique perspective of nearly three dozen famous landmarks,
all in climate-controlled comfort. Still some prefer a more authentic
experience.

The Empire State Building features two magnificent observatories. On
clear days, the breath-taking view extends up to 80 miles. From either
of the glorious observatories, parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as most of New York itself, are
visible. The 82nd floor observatory is an incredible 1,050 feet off
the ground, while the 102nd floor observatory soars 1,250 feet above
the city. Although each offers 360 degree, panoramic views from an
outdoor deck, as well as indoor viewing galleries, the 102nd floor
area offers a more intimate setting which features a view far beyond
compare. Did you know that when the Empire State Building was finished
being built people started calling it as The Empty State Building!? It
was finished in 1931 right in the heart of the Great Depression. The
owners could not find any tenants. Yet, the building still survived.
This building was the world's tallest at the time and there was
immense competition among builders to construct a building with that
status.

The architecture of the Empire State Building, nicknamed as the Empty
State Building, is what is called Art Deco. The location at 34th
Street and 5th Avenue used to house the Waldorf Astoria hotel in the
late 19th century. It house over 30 broadcasting stations for both
television and radio. It is interesting to note that the Empire State
Building has its own zip code, 10118! Although the Empire State
Building was nicknamed, the Empty State Building in the 1930's, there
is not empty about it today. Whether you know it by the Empty State
Building or the Empire State building, it remains one of the biggest
attractions in New York City.