The beginning of an iconic landmark
On March 17, 1930 construction began on the Empire State building. It was built on 5th avenue and was completed after a year and 45 days to be the first 100 plus floor building in the world. As the tallest building, soon after its completion it began to be a popular attraction for tourists and locals. Individuals from all over the world came to the Empire State building to climb to the top and pay 10 cents to look through the telescope at New York City. In the first 6 months of the building being open the telescopes made over $3,000.
Increasing popularity
The movie “King Kong” premiered in 1933, which was the first movie to include the building in a movie, but it would not be the last. By the 1940’s the Empire State building became home to multiple organizations and was the most profitable building at the time. Also, in 1955, it was recognized as one of the seven greatest engineered structures in the country by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Empire State Building Today
In 1976, lights were added to illuminate the building at night and in 2012 new LED lights were added allowing for more colors to light up the New York City skyline. The inside of the building, on the 2nd and 80th floor, was updated and reopened to the public in 2019. This renovation includes information about history, pop culture, glamor and the culture of the city. From its original construction in the 1930’s to today, the Empire State Building has been seen as an iconic landmark in New York City.
