THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

STAR OF NEW YORK CITY Hostels

By Info Hostels
Pubblished on 16-Mar-2009
Section DESTINATIONS

This architectural marvel was constructed during the Great Depression of the 1930s and is a monument to that era. You will find the popular attraction, which has starred in over 90 movies and was the previous record holder of the world's tallest building, at Fifth and 34th streets. The building is the result of a competition between Walter Chrysler of the Chrysler Corporation and John Raskob, creator of General Motors, to see who could construct the highest building first. The property, which had become a very valuable location, was bought in 1929 and was the site of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Raskob hired the architects Shreve, Lamb and Harmon who came up with a plan for the building while keeping in mind the race with Chrysler and any tricks that Walter might pull to hold the height record. Excavation began on January 22 1930, and bits and pieces of the destroyed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel were auctioned off as mementos.

As the Building went up, passersby would stop and crane their necks to see the top. The riveters were absolutely fascinating to watch: working in teams of four, the heater (passer) would pass the red hot rivet to the catcher at often a distance of 50 to 75 feet. After using a paint can as a catching glove, the catcher would use tongs to place the rivet into a beam. Then the bucker-up would support the rivet, while the gunman would hammer it into place. They would repeat this action all the way up the building at heights of over 1000 feet, while working at a fast pace. Time was of the essence and the construction of the Building is a perfect example of efficiency. A railway at the site ensured the speedy delivery of supplies while the builders came up with innovations to save time, money and man-power.

The building was completed in the amazing time of one year and 45 days and was under budget. Over sixty different trades were hired and many materials and supplies used were specifically developed for the job. Winning the race with the masonry completed ahead of schedule, President Herbert Hoover officially opened the Building on May 1 1931 by pressing a button in Washington DC and switching on the lights. The total height is 1,454 feet with 102 floors, and you have the opportunity to overlook the Chrysler Building, Harlem River and other sites of the city from the observation deck at 1,050 feet.

Since it's opening, the Empire State Building has lit up the New York City skyline in a diverse and spectacular array of colours and designs. It has become an icon of the city, much loved by New Yorkers and is a symbol of the city's solidarity and strength.

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