The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City landmark that has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and photographs. It was built in the 1930s and held the record for the world's tallest building for more than 40 years. Here are some interesting facts about the Empire State Building that you may not know:
Construction
The Empire State Building was constructed during the Great Depression, and it was completed in just 13 months. The building was designed by William F. Lamb of the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, and it was built by the Starrett Brothers and Eken. The total cost of the construction was $40,948,900, which is equivalent to over $1.7 billion today.
The building is made of steel and concrete, and it has a total of 102 floors. It stands at 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna. It held the title of the world's tallest building until 1971, when it was surpassed by the World Trade Center's North Tower.
Observation Decks
The Empire State Building has two observation decks, one on the 86th floor and one on the 102nd floor. The 86th floor observation deck is open to the public, and it offers stunning views of New York City. The 102nd floor observation deck is closed to the public, and it is used for broadcasting equipment.
The 86th floor observation deck is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, and it attracts millions of visitors each year. The observation deck is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 am every day, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth on the second floor of the building.
Lighting
The Empire State Building is famous for its colorful lighting displays, which change depending on the occasion. The building has more than 1,200 LED fixtures, and it can display up to 16 million colors. The lighting displays are used to celebrate holidays, events, and other special occasions.
The building's lighting system was upgraded in 2012 to make it more energy-efficient. The new system uses only one-third of the energy that the old system used, and it can be controlled remotely from a computer.
Famous Moments
The Empire State Building has been the site of many famous moments in history. In 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the building's 79th floor, killing 14 people. In 1964, a team of window washers were trapped on the building's 57th floor for 11 hours after a scaffold malfunctioned.
The building has also been the site of many movies, TV shows, and other media. Some of the most famous examples include King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, and An Affair to Remember. The building has also been featured in countless photographs and postcards.
Conclusion
The Empire State Building is a true New York City icon, and it has played an important role in the city's history and culture. Whether you're a tourist or a local, a visit to the building's observation deck is a must-see experience that offers stunning views of the city.