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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Empire State Building

Iconic skyscraper in New York City
Iconic skyscraper in New York City

The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, was the world's tallest building until 1970. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its Art Deco architecture and observation decks. The building has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, making it a global cultural icon.

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1785
Origin of the Name 'Empire State Building'

The Empire State Building gets its name from a nickname for New York state, with one of the earliest documented sources being a letter by George Washington in 1785 praising New York's strength during the American Revolution and calling it 'the Seat of the Empire.'

1929-08-29
Announcement of Empire State Building Plans

John J. Raskob and Al Smith announced plans for the construction of the Empire State Building on August 29, 1929. The building was intended to be a joint project between the two, with Raskob as the financier and Smith as the public-facing figure.

1929-09-22
Construction of Empire State Building begins

The construction of the iconic Empire State Building commenced on September 22, 1929, and it was a significant architectural and engineering feat of the time.

1929-10-01
Demolition of old Waldorf–Astoria

Demolition of the old Waldorf–Astoria hotel began on October 1, 1929, to make way for the construction of the Empire State Building. The process was challenging due to the materials used in the hotel's construction.

1929-10-24
Wall Street Crash and funding

On October 24, 1929, the Wall Street Crash occurred, leading to the Great Depression. Despite the economic downturn, funding was secured for the Empire State Building, with a loan obtained from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in December 1929.

1929-11-18
Acquisition of additional lot for Empire State Building

On November 18, 1929, Alfred E. Smith acquired a lot at 27–31 West 33rd Street, expanding the width of the proposed Empire State Building site.

1929-11-20
Updated plans for Empire State Building revealed

Two days after acquiring the additional lot, Alfred E. Smith announced updated plans for the Empire State Building, including the addition of five floors and a spire, as well as an observation deck on the 86th-floor roof.

1930-01-12
Award of structural steel contract

On January 12, 1930, a contract for structural steel was awarded for the Empire State Building. This marked a significant step in the construction process, with excavation work already underway.

1930-03-17
Construction of the Empire State Building Begins

Construction of the Empire State Building started on March 17, 1930, with the intention of becoming the world's first 100+ story building. It was completed in a remarkable 1 year and 45 days.

1930-03-21
Construction begins on the Empire State Building

Construction starts on the Empire State Building, which will become the world's first 100+ story building and is completed in a year and 45 days.

1930-03-26
Mayor Jimmy Walker signs new building codes into law

Mayor Jimmy Walker signed new building codes into law on March 26, 1930, allowing the Empire State Building's structural steel to carry 18,000 pounds per square inch, reducing the amount of steel needed for the building.

1930-04-01
First steel framework installed

The first steel framework of the Empire State Building was installed on April 1, 1930, marking the beginning of the construction process.

1930-08-14
Peak of workers involved in Empire State Building construction

On August 14, 1930, the Empire State Building project involved more than 3,500 workers, with 3,439 workers present on a single day. The workforce included Irish and Italian immigrants, as well as Mohawk ironworkers.

1930-09-19
Steel structure topped out at 1,048 feet

The steel structure of the Empire State Building was topped out at 1,048 feet on September 19, 1930, twelve days ahead of schedule and 23 weeks after the start of construction.

1930-11-21
Mooring mast topped out

The mooring mast of the Empire State Building was topped out on November 21, 1930, two months after the steelwork had been completed.

1931-04-07
First suicide from the Empire State Building

The first suicide from the Empire State Building occurred on April 7, 1931, before its completion, when a laid-off carpenter jumped from the 58th floor.

1931-04-11
Empire State Building structurally completed

The Empire State Building was completed structurally on April 11, 1931, twelve days ahead of schedule. The final rivet, made of solid gold, was shot by Al Smith.

1931-05-01
Empire State Building Officially Opens

In a record-breaking 1 year and 45 days, construction on the Empire State Building is completed. President Hoover presses a button in Washington, D.C., officially opening the building and turning on its lights for the first time.

1931-09-11
Empire State Building Officially Opens

The Empire State Building was officially opened to the public on September 11, 1931, becoming the tallest building in the world at that time.

1931-12-22
Start of Broadcasting at Empire State Building

Broadcasting began at the Empire State Building on December 22, 1931, when NBC and RCA started transmitting experimental television broadcasts from a small antenna atop the mast.

1932-11-03
Frederick Eckert jumps from Empire State Building

Frederick Eckert of Astoria ran past a guard on the 102nd-floor gallery and jumped to his death from an outdoor catwalk on November 3, 1932.

1933-03-02
King Kong Debuts in New York City

"King Kong" premieres in New York City, featuring the Empire State Building as a central location in one of cinema's most famous films. This marks the beginning of the building's iconic roles in popular culture.

1945-07-28
Empire State Building B-25 Bomber Crash

On the morning of July 28, 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building, causing shock and tragedy. The event resulted in 14 fatalities and significant damage to the building, although the structure itself remained intact.

1947-05-01
Evelyn McHale's suicide from the Empire State Building

On May 1, 1947, Evelyn McHale leapt to her death from the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State Building. Her oddly intact corpse photo became famous as 'The Most Beautiful Suicide'.

1950
Empire State Building Antenna Installation

In 1950, a new 222-foot tall, 60-ton antenna was installed on the Empire State Building to allow more stations to use the antenna, increasing the spire height to 1,472 feet.

1951
Empire State Building Listed for Sale

In 1951, despite a turnaround in fortunes, the Empire State Building was listed for sale by Raskob with a minimum asking price of $50 million. It was eventually purchased for $51 million.

1954
Empire State Building loses tallest human-made structure title

In 1954, the Empire State Building was surpassed as the tallest human-made structure by the Griffin Television Tower in Oklahoma.

1955
Empire State Building Engineering Achievement

In 1955, the American Society of Civil Engineers selected the Empire State Building as one of the seven greatest engineering achievements in America's history, recognizing it alongside iconic structures like the Hoover Dam and Panama Canal.

1956
Empire State Building Freedom Lights Installation

In 1956, four large beacon lights known as 'The Freedom Lights' were installed at the foot of the Empire State Building tower as a symbol of welcome and freedom to visitors, visible across the city.

1958
Empire State Building recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World

In 1958, the Empire State Building was designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, highlighting its architectural significance.

1961
World Trade Center Plans Threaten Empire State Building's Tallest Building Title

In 1961, plans for the World Trade Center threatened the Empire State Building's status as the tallest building. The new towers eventually surpassed the Empire State Building in height.

1963
Panels in the Empire State Building lobby showcase original wonders and the building's significance

In 1963, panels installed in the Empire State Building lobby displayed the original wonders alongside the building, emphasizing its iconic status as a wonder of the world.

1964-02
Addition of Flood Lights on the 72nd Floor

In February 1964, flood lights were added on the 72nd floor of the Empire State Building to illuminate the top of the building at night for visibility during the World Fair later that year.

1966
Ostankino Tower Becomes Tallest Freestanding Structure

In 1966, the Ostankino Tower succeeded the Empire State Building as the tallest freestanding structure in the world.

1969
Empire State Building purchased by Lawrence A. Wien, Peter L. Malkin, and Harry B. Helmsley

Lawrence A. Wien, Peter L. Malkin, and Harry B. Helmsley acquire the Empire State Building for $65 million, the highest price ever paid for a single building at that time.

1970-10-19
World Trade Center North Tower Surpasses Empire State Building in Height

On October 19, 1970, the World Trade Center's North Tower surpassed the Empire State Building in height, making it the world's tallest building.

1971
Empire State Building Loses Tallest Skyscraper Title

The Empire State Building lost its title as the world's tallest skyscraper when it was surpassed by the World Trade Center Towers in 1971.

1972
Empire State Building Loses Tallest Building Title

In 1972, the Empire State Building lost its title as the tallest building in New York to the North Tower of the World Trade Center, signaling a shift in the city's skyline.

1973-11
Shutdown of Lights due to Energy Crisis

From November 1973 to July 1974, the lights on the Empire State Building were turned off due to the energy crisis at the time.

1975
Observation Deck Opens on Twin Towers

In December 1975, the observation deck on the 110th floor of the Twin Towers opened, offering a higher vantage point than the Empire State Building's 86th floor observatory.

1976
Empire State Building Lighting Tradition

Since 1976, the Empire State Building lighting system changes colors to reflect major holidays and celebrations throughout the year, with a new LED lighting system installed in 2012 allowing for millions of color combinations.

1977-10-12
Spire Lighting for Seasonal Events and Holidays

Since October 12, 1977, the spire of the Empire State Building has been lit in colors matching seasonal events and holidays, with organizations able to make requests for specific lighting through the building's website.

1978
Inauguration of the Empire State Building Run-Up

Since 1978, the Empire State Building Run-Up has been an annual foot race to the 86th-floor observation deck, attracting participants to climb the iconic skyscraper.

1979-12-02
Elvita Adams survives fall from Empire State Building

Elvita Adams jumped from the 86th floor but was blown back onto a ledge on the 85th floor by a gust of wind, suffering a broken hip on December 2, 1979.

1980
Empire State Building designated as a city landmark

In 1980, the Empire State Building and its ground-floor interior were designated as city landmarks by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. This recognition highlighted the building's architectural and historical significance.

1981-05-01
Empire State Building 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Empire State Building celebrated its 50th anniversary with a laser light show and an 'Empire State Building Week' that ran through to May 8, 1981.

1981-05-18
Empire State Building Declared a Landmark

On May 18, 1981, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission officially designates the Empire State Building as a landmark, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.

1981-05-19
Empire State Building Designated as City Landmark

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Empire State Building and its lobby as city landmarks on May 19, 1981.

1986
Empire State Building National Historic Landmark

In 1986, the Empire State Building is honored as a National Historic Landmark by the National Parks Services, highlighting its importance in American history and culture.

1993
Sleepless in Seattle movie reference

The hit romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle, released in 1993, directly references the film An Affair to Remember and features the characters meeting at the top of the Empire State Building observatory deck.

1994-02-14
Valentine’s Day Weddings at Empire State Building

Since February 14, 1994, the Empire State Building has been hosting Valentine’s Day weddings, with over 250 couples exchanging vows at this iconic location. The event is a globally recognized tradition, covered by media outlets worldwide.

1997-02-23
Abu Kamal shooting at Empire State Building

Abu Kamal, a Palestinian teacher, shot seven people on the 86th floor observation deck, killing one and wounding six before committing suicide on February 23, 1997.

1998
Blue Lighting in Honor of Frank Sinatra

In 1998, the Empire State Building was lit in blue to honor the death of singer Frank Sinatra, known as 'Ol' Blue Eyes'.

2000-01-24
2000 Empire State Building elevator plunge

On January 24, 2000, an elevator in the Empire State Building suddenly descended 40 stories after a cable was severed. Despite the fall, both passengers in the cabin were only slightly injured.

2001-10
Broadcast Stations Returning to Empire State Building after 9/11 Attacks

Following the September 11 attacks which destroyed the World Trade Center and its broadcast centers, most of the city's stations were without a transmitter for ten days until they resumed broadcasting from the Empire State Building by October 2001.

2002
Empire State Building Title and Lease Merge

In 2002, the land claim of the Empire State Building was sold to the Empire State Building Associates, merging the building's title and lease for the first time in half a century.

2003-05
Relocation of FM Stations to Condé Nast Building

In 2003, several FM stations were moved to the nearby Condé Nast Building to reduce the number of broadcast stations using the Empire State Building.

2006
Empire State Building 75th Anniversary and ReBuilding Program

In 2006, as the Empire State Building celebrates its 75th anniversary, plans are made for the Empire State ReBuilding program. This initiative involves a comprehensive renovation of the building, including the restoration of the art deco lobby and the recreation of its original ceiling.

2007
Empire State Building ranked #1 on America’s Favorite Architecture list

In 2007, the Empire State Building was ranked as the top favorite architecture in America by the American Institute of Architects, surpassing iconic landmarks like the White House and the Golden Gate Bridge.

2008
Empire State Building 'Stolen' by New York Daily News

In 2008, the New York Daily News temporarily 'stole' the Empire State Building to demonstrate how easy it was to transfer property deeds. The building was later transferred back to the legitimate owners.

2009-09-29
Unveiling of renovated ceiling in Fifth Avenue lobby

On September 29, 2009, the newly renovated ceiling in the Fifth Avenue lobby of the Empire State Building was revealed, meticulously recreated to match the original art deco mural from the building's opening day, requiring 20,000 working hours for the renovation.

2010
Empire State Building described as one of the 'seven wonders of engineering' by Ron Miller

In 2010, Ron Miller characterized the Empire State Building as one of the 'seven wonders of engineering', recognizing its remarkable structural achievements.

2011-09
Empire State Building receives LEED Gold certification

In September 2011, the Empire State Building achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold for Existing Buildings rating, recognizing its energy efficiency and environmental efforts.

2012-01-13
Colorful Lighting to Honor The Today Show

On January 13, 2012, the Empire State Building was lit in red, orange, and yellow to honor the 60th anniversary of the NBC program The Today Show.

2012-04-30
One World Trade Center becomes tallest building in the city

On April 30, 2012, One World Trade Center surpassed the Empire State Building to become the tallest building in the city.

2012-08-24
Jeffrey T. Johnson shooting at Empire State Building

Jeffrey T. Johnson shot and killed a former co-worker on the building's Fifth Avenue sidewalk, leading to a confrontation with police that resulted in his death and injuries to bystanders on August 24, 2012.

2012-11-26
First Synchronized Light Show

On November 26, 2012, the Empire State Building had its first synchronized light show, featuring music from recording artist Alicia Keys.

2013-04-25
Man survives fall from Empire State Building

A man fell from the 86th floor observation deck but landed alive with minor injuries on an 85th-floor ledge on April 25, 2013.

2014
Empire State Building owned by Empire State Realty Trust

By 2014, the Empire State Building was owned by the Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT), with Anthony Malkin serving as chairman, CEO, and president.

2016-08
Qatar Investment Authority acquires partial ownership of Empire State Building

In August 2016, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) obtained new shares equivalent to 9.9% ownership of the Empire State Realty Trust, leading to partial ownership of the Empire State Building.

2018-08
Renovation of Empire State Building's visitor entrance

In August 2018, the main visitor's entrance of the Empire State Building was relocated to 20 West 34th Street as part of a renovation project to enhance visitor traffic flow.

2019-10-12
Reopening of 102nd floor observatory

On October 12, 2019, the 102nd floor observatory of the Empire State Building was reopened to the public, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a new glass elevator.

2019-12-02
Opening of new observatory on 80th floor

On December 2, 2019, a new observatory on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building was opened to visitors, marking the completion of the renovation project.

2020-01
Purple and Gold Lighting for Kobe Bryant

After the death of retired basketball player Kobe Bryant in January 2020, the Empire State Building was lit in purple and gold, representing the colors of his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

2021
Current Stations at Empire State Building

As of 2021, the Empire State Building is home to various television and FM stations, including WABC-7, WPLJ-95.5, and WHTZ-100.3, among others.

2022-05
Visual Projections with Netflix for Stranger Things

In May 2022, the Empire State Building partnered with Netflix to project the Upside Down from Stranger Things onto the building's exterior to celebrate the return of the show's fourth season.

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Empire State Building
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