The iconic skyscraper Empire State Buildings and its history

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Skyscrapers are what makes New York different from other cities. The most attractive metropolis for tourists has a calling card by which everyone will recognize it.

The tallest building in the city has become the main symbol of the "capital of the world", testifying to the unbending American spirit.

Construction of the first skyscrapers

1889 marked the first skyscraper in New York City. For forty years, record high buildings appeared in the city, but on May 1, 1931, the grand opening of the Empire State Buildings took place, which became a real phenomenon in the architectural world. A unique building that had no equal opened its doors to all visitors.

For many years, no building in the world could beat the achievement of American builders.

The legend that gave the city and skyscraper its name

An interesting story is known, according to which Englishnavigator Henry Hudson during his journey sailed along the river, which later received his name. He was amazed at the beauty and grandeur of the area that opened up and exclaimed in admiration: “This is the new empire!” - which in translation means "This is a new empire."

Later the state of New York became known as "imperial", and the skyscraper that was built bears the name Empire State Buildings, closely associated with the city.

History of construction

The world's first skyscraper, with 102 floors and a height of 443 meters, was built in just one year. It was originally planned to be a mooring place for airships, but later this beautiful idea was abandoned due to strong air currents.

The history of the creation of a skyscraper is closely connected with the economic boom of the 20s of the last century, which gave rise to a real boom in construction. The sharply increased price of land has led to the construction of high-tech multi-storey buildings.

Observation decks

On the 86th and last, 102nd floors, there are observation platforms, and tourists stand for several hours to get to them. The ticket price for visiting them starts from twenty dollars.

Suicides used to come here during tough economic times, and the sad statistic is 40 deaths.

At the very top rises a spire visible at the entrance to New York, on which special television and radio equipment is installed, and about seven million residents of the metropolis receive a signal from it.

Advanced lighting system

The legendary Empire State Building (New York) is incredibly beautiful after dark. Illuminated by a whole system of 400 lamps, it fascinates with its majestic view. By the way, the colors are known in advance, most often they are timed to coincide with some cultural events and city holidays.

Until 2012, spotlights could only create a palette of nine shades. But after the introduction of a new dynamic lighting system that reproduces more than sixteen million colors, even pastels, a variety of "live" effects will surprise the most demanding travelers. The skyscraper shimmering with bright lights will give a memorable sight, so not a single tourist passes by the main attraction of the metropolis.

Where is the Empire State Buildings?

The landmark of New York is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan.

Nearest subway stations to highrise: 34th Street - Herald Square.

Interesting facts

• On the eve of the Great Depression, the Empire State Building skyscraper appeared, standing empty for a long time. Due to the global economic crisis, the offices were empty, and for twenty years the building did not make a profit, which made the high-rise competitors very happy.
• For a year and forty-five days, it was built by about three and a half thousand immigrants from Europe,considered real lucky, because during the economic crisis it was simply impossible to find a job. The Indians stood apart, who did not know the fear of heights and worked without insurance.
• The city's tallest building weighs 365,000 tons, and a steel frame, widely used at the time, supports ten million brick walls.
• Equipped with 73 high-speed elevators, the Empire State Buildings is designed like a wedding cake. The upper floors shrink significantly in size and have a much smaller area than the lower ones. To get to them, you need to overcome the stairs, consisting of 1860 steps. And it's no surprise that since 1978 indoor sports races have been held up to the 86th floor, and the record for the fastest overcoming an impressive distance has not been broken since 2003.
• Due to the huge size and the large number of people working in offices, the country's postal department assigned a separate index to the skyscraper.

The most visited skyscraper Empire State Buildings is one of the tallest buildings in the world, the grandeur of which is fully felt by everyone who visits here. A real miracle of the modern world has long been a cult building that attracts millions of tourists who dream of enjoying the views of New York from a bird's eye view. A fascinating picture, according to visitors to the symbol of the American metropolis, remains in memory for a long time.