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Construction
on the Empire State Building began only a few weeks before
the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and took only 19 months to complete.
During the Depression, it was known as the “Empty State
Building,” and the owners relied on admissions from the
Observation Deck to pay their taxes. Today, the building is
the fourth tallest building in the world, standing 102 stories
and 1,250-feet high, or 1,454-feet high at the top of the
antenna on the roof. On a clear day, you can see over 50 miles
from either observation deck (86th and 102nd floors) and portions
of four different states.
Interesting Facts :
- At night, the top 30 floors are
illuminated with colored lights that change colors with
the seasons and special events. Red, white, and blue colors
are used for the 4th of July, red and green are used at
Christmas, and green is used at St. Patrick’s Day.
Blue and white were used to announce the Yankees victory
in the World Series in 1999. The lights are turned off on
foggy nights during the spring and fall migratory bird season
so the birds aren’t confused by the diffused light
and crash into the building.
- Static electricity buildup is so mammoth
on top of the Empire State Building that, under the right
conditions, if you stick your hand through the observatory
fence, St. Elmo’s fire will stream from your fingertips.
Lovers who kiss up there may find their lips crackling with
electric sparks!
- The Empire State Building has been used
in many movies: it was climbed by “King Kong,”
the setting for romance in “An Affair to Remember”
and “Sleepless in Seattle,” was flown around by
“Superman,” and was blown up in “Independence
Day.”
Links:
http://www.esbnyc.com/index2.cfm
http://www.nyctourist.com/empire1.htm |
