Introduction
The Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1972. It is an iconic American symbol, known for its art deco architecture and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
History
The idea of building the Empire State Building began in 1929, when John J. Raskob and Albert H. Check of General Motors decided to construct a building that would be the tallest in the world. The project was financed by John J. Raskob, Pierre S. du Pont and Arthur Loomis Harmon, who hired William F. Lamb from the architectural firm of Shreve, Lamb and Harmon to design the building.
Construction of the Empire State Building began in March 1930 and was completed in May 1931, two and a half years ahead of schedule. The building was officially opened on May 1, 1931, and the opening was attended by President Herbert Hoover.
Design
The Empire State Building was designed in the Art Deco style and is constructed of steel and masonry. The building is 1,250 feet (381 meters) tall and has a total floor area of 2.85 million square feet (265,000 square meters). The building has a total of 73 elevators, including 15 double-deck elevators, which make it the world’s largest elevator system.
The building is divided into three sections: the base, the shaft, and the crown. The base is composed of the first 5 floors and is made of limestone and granite. The shaft is composed of the remaining 97 floors and is made of steel and concrete. The crown is composed of the top 20 floors and is made of aluminum, stainless steel, and terra cotta.
Notable Features
The Empire State Building has many notable features, including:
- Observation Deck: Located on the 86th floor, the observation deck offers spectacular views of New York City. The deck is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
- Lighting System: The building is illuminated at night by an array of colored lights that can be changed to commemorate various events and holidays.
- Radiobroadcast Antenna: The Empire State Building is home to a radiobroadcast antenna, which is used by several local radio stations.
- Skyride: The Skyride is an interactive virtual tour of New York City that takes visitors on a simulated journey from the ground to the top of the Empire State Building.
Conclusion
The Empire State Building is an iconic American symbol and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of its designers and builders, and its unique design and features make it a must-see attraction for visitors to New York City.