The Story of the Empire State Building: From Depression to Iconic Landmark

For nearly a century, the Empire State Building has been synonymous with New York City.

And from 1931 to 1971, it wasn’t just the tallest thing in the “Big Apple” — it was also the tallest building in the world.

Work began in 1930, just after the onset of the Great Depression, a global economic crisis.

But it happened at a good time for the city: jobs were created for New Yorkers.

They worked quickly. On average, four and a half stories were built each week, and after just 410 days, US President Herbert Hoover opened the 381-meter-tall building.

But there is a problem: with the depression still affecting the country, many office floors are not used. Some called it “the empty state building”.

Things got worse in 1945 when a plane crashed on the 79th and 80th floors, killing 14 people.

But the Empire State Building has recovered.

Designed by William Lamb, it is an excellent example of art deco architecture and has attracted many businesses and millions of visitors.

He was also popular in the cinema. King Kong fell from his peak in the 1933 film and then again in 2005.

A foot race is even organized every year up to the 86th floor, while tourists can go to the 102nd floor to admire the view from the top.

Well, not quite the top: the total height is now 443 meters if you include an antenna that was added in 1985. It’s no longer the tallest building in New York – it’s now the One World Trade Center, with its 541 meters – but it’s still one of the most iconic.