Following the September 11th attacks, it reclaimed the title of tallest skyscraper in New York, but not the globe or even the United States. It is now the world's 22nd highest structure. The Empire State Building was built with the intention of docking zeppelins on its roof. When this idea was abandoned, the building's designers created a system of elevators instead.
The Empire State Building is famous for two reasons: its art deco design and its place in history as the site where the first transatlantic radio transmission was made by RCA engineers in 1937. Transmissions from the top of the Rockefeller Center complex were sent to receivers mounted on boats anchored off Long Island Sound. These transmissions began with "Hello world!"
The origin of the phrase "hello world" is disputed. Some say it was coined by RCA engineer David Sarnoff while testing the new radio system while others claim it was created by Earl Wightman who worked on the project. What isn't disputed is that "hello world" has become an international symbol for communication via electronic means.
The Empire State Building has been called the world's most popular office building. In fact, it has been voted the greatest architectural achievement of the 20th century. The sweeping curves of the building are said to resemble an ocean liner docked at its port. This comparison has also led to the nickname "the ship that changed the world."
One World Trade Center, which stands 1,776 feet tall, is New York's tallest structure (541 m). The Twin Towers were New York City's tallest skyscrapers until they were demolished in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, leaving the Empire State Building as the city's highest building once more.
The World Trade Center was originally going to be only one tower but then changed to two towers because people liked the idea of having two big towers instead of just one big one. The original plan called for the tower to be built in 4 months and be ready for Christmas 1999 but construction didn't start until June 2000 and it wasn't finished until November 2001. The reason why it took so long to build such a small tower is because there was much debate about how to design the perfect skyscraper. The architects wanted to make sure that their design provided a comfortable living space for employees who worked on the 73rd floor office tower. They also wanted to make sure that there was an observation deck on each floor so that visitors can enjoy the view of New York City.
In addition to being a home for various businesses, the World Trade Center was also used as a memorial to those who died in the September 11 attacks. There are two museums at the site: the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the South Tower Site Memorial. Visitors can walk through a replica of a Pennsylvania Railroad train car to see images and information about those who lost their lives during the attacks.
The Empire State Skyscraper was the highest building in the world from 1931 to 1972, as well as the tallest building in New York from 1931 to 1972 and again from 2001 to 2013....
Central Park Tower | 1550/472 | New York City |
---|---|---|
Three World Trade Center | 1073/327 | New York City |
Salesforce Tower | 1070/326 | San Francisco |
53W53 | 1050/320 | New York City |
The Empire State Building: 10 Surprising Facts
The Empire State Building stands 1,250 feet (380 meters) tall at its highest point. The total height of the structure, including the spire and antenna, is 1,454 feet (443 meters). It is now the fourth highest structure in New York City, the sixth tallest structure in the United States, and the 43rd tallest structure in the world. The building was also the first to be designed using the then-newly developed theory of reinforced concrete frames with steel girders as a core material; this made it possible to create a structure that was both strong and light weight at the same time. It took more than five years to complete the project and it was opened for business on February 14, 1931.
The building's name comes from its location in the state of New York. It is also known as "the bean" or "the broom". The Empire State Building has been called many things over the years, but none quite like its current moniker. The building itself is often referred to by its tenants as an "apartment house", since it provides working space for approximately 5,500 people. However, it is not considered an apartment building in the traditional sense of the word; instead, it is a hotel with apartments.
It is worth mentioning that the title of tallest building in New York belongs to another structure within walking distance of the Empire State Building. This is 725 West 41st Street, which is only one floor lower than its competitor. This building was completed in 1973 and has 30 stories.