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Unveiling the Hidden Marvels: 46 Cool Facts About the Empire State Building

17 Fun Facts about the Empire State Building

“Unveiling the Hidden Marvels: 46 Cool Facts About the Empire State Building” – Where Legends Rise 

A True NYC Landmark 

Immortalized in the movies King Kong (1933), An Affair to Remember (1957), and Sleepless in Seattle (1993), the Empire State Building (ESB) has graced the silver screen, etching its silhouette into our collective memory. 

Standing before the Empire State Building, I sensed its significance as a child. Its towering presence seemed to touch the sky, a beacon of ambition and human achievement. But it wasn’t until I delved into the world of architecture that I fully grasped its majesty—a symphony of Art Deco elegance rising from the bustling streets of Manhattan. 

The Architectural Marvel 

Step inside, and you’ll find more than steel and stone. The ESB is a living canvas, each floor whispering tales of triumph, heartache, and resilience. Its grandeur transcends mere construction; it’s a testament to human ingenuity. 

The lobby, adorned with intricate mosaics and golden details, transports visitors to an era of glamour and possibility. As you ascend, the city unfolds—a patchwork of ambition, dreams, and everyday lives. And there, on the observation deck, you become part of New York’s heartbeat, gazing across the boroughs and beyond. 

If Walls Could Speak 

Oh, the stories these walls hold! Imagine the jazz-age parties, clandestine meetings, and tearful farewells witnessed within these Art Deco corridors. The ESB has hosted presidents, artists, lovers, and dreamers. 

And what of its iconic spire? Originally designed as a mooring mast for dirigibles, it now reaches toward the heavens, a silent sentinel guarding the city that never sleeps. 

A Symphony of Lights 

By night, the ESB transforms. Its colored displays—celebrating holidays, causes, and milestones—paints the skyline. After 9/11, it stood tall, bathed in red, white, and blue, a beacon of resilience. 

And so, dear reader, as you explore this architectural wonder, remember that beyond the steel and glass lies a living narrative—a tale of ambition, love, and the indomitable spirit of New York. 

If only those walls could talk. 

Demolition of the Waldorf-Astoria: 

  1. On October 1, 1929, the official demolition of the Waldorf-Astoria began. The Waldorf-Astoria was initially located on the corner of 34th Street and 5th Ave.
  2. This demolition paved the way for the construction of the tallest new building in the world—the Empire State Building.
Shorpy - Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria – 34th Street & 5th Ave

Credit: www.shorpy.com

Designer and Construction: 

3. The Empire State Building’s designer was William Lamb from the architect firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates. 

4. During its construction, the Empire State Building competed with other buildings for the title of the tallest in New York City. 

5. It ultimately claimed the title in 1931, surpassing 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building. 

Height and Floors: 

6. The Empire State Building has 103 floors. 

7. At its roof, it stands 1,250 feet (381 meters) tall. 

8. When including the antenna spire, its total height reaches 1,454 feet (443.2 meters). 

9. It currently ranks as the 4th tallest building in New York City, the 6th tallest in the United States, and the 43rd tallest tower in the world. 

Unique Design Concept: 

10. One of the intriguing design concepts for the Empire State Building was to serve as a mooring mast and depot for dirigibles (airships). 

11. Although this idea was never fully realized, it adds to the building’s mystique. 

Construction Records: 

12. The official records indicate that five workers died during the construction process. 

13. A staggering 3,400 men worked on bringing this architectural marvel to life. 

Speedy Construction: 

14. The Empire State Building was completed in an astonishing 410 days (about 1 year 1 and a half months), opening on May 1, 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression.

15. Its rapid construction earned it the title of the fastest building ever built of its size. 

Previous Location: 

16. The site where the Empire State Building stands today was previously occupied by the Old Waldorf Astoria Hotel. 

Presidential Lighting: 

17. On the day of its opening, President Herbert Hoover remotely turned on the lights of the ESB from Washington, D.C. 

18. This symbolic act marked the building’s official debut. 

Windows and Steps: 

19. The Empire State Building boasts a staggering 6,514 windows. 

20. From street level to the 103rd floor, there are a total of 1,872 steps. 

21. Thankfully, the building also houses 73 Otis elevators, making the ascent more manageable. 

Lightning Strikes: 

22. The rod near the top of the Empire State Building is struck by lightning approximately 23 times every year. 

23. Its height and location make it a natural lightning attractor. 

Unique ZIP Code: 

24. Due to the high volume of people and tourists, the Empire State Building has its own ZIP code10118. 

25. Many businesses call the Empire State Building home, including LinkedInShutterstock, and JCDecaux North America. 

26. The Empire State Building has over 2.8 million rentable square feet. 

Tallest Building for Decades: 

27. Between 1931 and 1972, the Empire State Building held the title of the tallest building in the world. 

1945 Plane Crash: 

28. In July 1945, a pilot flying lower than usual in foggy conditions collided with the 79th floor of the building. 

29. The incident highlighted the need for improved visibility and safety measures. 

Beacon of Victory: 

30. The first light to shine atop the Empire State Building was a beacon that signaled to those within a 50-mile radius that Franklin Delano Roosevelt had won the Presidency of the United States in November 1932. 

Colored Light Displays: 

31. The ESB is famous for its colored light displays, which mark holidays and special occasions. 

32. After 9/11, red, white, and blue lights served as a tribute to the fallen and a symbol of resilience. 

Bird-Friendly Lights: 

33. During migration season, the lights are turned off at midnight to prevent birds from colliding with the building. 

Height Rivalry: 

34. After the collapse of the World Trade Center in 2001, the ESB regained its status as the tallest building in New York City. 

35. However, in April 2012, the new One World Trade Center surpassed it in height. 

Electric Kisses: 

36. Under the right atmospheric conditions (static electricity at high heights), couples can experience a slight electric shock when they kiss on the ESB. 

Valentine’s Day Weddings: 

37. Every year on Valentine’s Day, couples exchange vows on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building, surrounded by breathtaking views.

38. To qualify for a marriage at the Empire State Building, couples must send a letter stating why they want to get married there. If chosen, they become part of the “Wedding Club”, giving them free admittance every Valentine’s Day.

Absolutely! The Empire State Building is not only an architectural marvel but also a hub of fascinating experiences. Let’s explore further: 

Empire State Building Run-Up: 

39. For over 40 years, runners from around the world have competed in the Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU). 

40. The challenge? To race up the building’s famed 86 flights of stairs—a total of 1,576 steps! 

41. While visitors can reach the building’s Observatory via elevator in under a minute, the fastest runners cover those 86 floors by foot in about 10 minutes1. 

Panoramic Views: 

42. The Observatories at the Empire State Building offer unmatched vistas of New York City. 

43. From the 86th Floor Observatory, you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, including iconic landmarks like Brooklyn and Queens. 

44. On the clearest days, this unforgettable view extends across six states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts2. 

Secret Observation Deck: 

45. Beyond the well-known 86th-floor observatory, there’s a hidden gem: the 103rd Floor Observatory. 

46. This exclusive deck provides unparalleled sights that stretch up to 80 miles, offering breathtaking views through its floor-to-ceiling windows3. 

 

So, whether you’re racing up the stairs, admiring the cityscape, or discovering the secret deck, the Empire State Building continues to captivate visitors from all corners of the globe!  

Next time you visit the Empire State Building, take a moment to appreciate not only the breathtaking views but also the rich history and stories embedded within its walls! 🌆🗽 

  

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Whether you’re strolling through Central Park, exploring Brooklyn, or gazing up at the Empire State Building itself, let your Tav the Duck T-Shirt be your canvas. 🎨✨ 

 

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 Feel free to explore more about this iconic landmark and share with us your discoveries! 📸✨ 

Learn more:

  1. 2024 ESB Run-Up
  2. The ESB
  3. Main Deck (86th Floor Observatory) Tickets
  4. What to Know Before Your Visit to The ESB
  5. Exhibits at The ESB

 

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