More Facts About The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was constructed in 1931. The Empire State Building is privately owned and is not run by or owned by the State of New York, or New York City.

When The Empire State Building was built, it was known as a modern marvel. It was constructed during the days of the depression, yet symbolized great hope and inspiration for a city who’s spirit showed they will prevail.

When 9/11 happened in 2001, The Empire State Building stood tall and strong, over a wounded and bewildered city, who’s beacon reminded us we will not falter.

To this day, The Empire State Building reminds of us of an era long ago, a rich history of an amazing city, an icon of an engineering marvel. It is a famous building, known throughout the world. The Empire State Building is one of the must see sites when visiting New York City.

The Empire State Building has been around a long time, and has an interesting history to go along with its interesting architecture.

• The Empire State Building was built on the closed Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The hotel ws bought for $20 million in 1928.

• It cost $900,000 to demolish the hotel

• a B-25 U.S. Army twin engine bomber crashed into the building between the 78th and 80th floor in fog on July 28, 1945. The crash made a hole in the building 18 feet wide, and killed 14 people. One of the plane’s engines fell down the elevator shaft which started a fire. It took 40 minutes to put out the fire. Firefighters were trying to rescue a woman using another elevator. But the cables broke and the elevator fell 75 floors. The woman survived and holds the record for surviving the longest elevator floor.

• The observatory on the 86th floor opened in 1931
• Since 1977, People have run up the 86 floors, a total of 1,050 foot stair climb of the Empire State Building for charity, called the Empire State Building Run Up.The race now raises money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
• In 2003, Paul Crake climbed the stirs faster than anyone at the speed of 9 minutes, 33 seconds.

• Since 1976 the top of The Empire State Building is lit up to commerate special occasions.

The following is a list of the Empire State Building's annual lighting schedule, and the events.

On most nights of the year,The Empire State Building is lit up to commemorate national holidays,charity, the seasons. When the NY sports teams win important games, they light up the colors of the teams. In spring and fall when the birds are migrating, The Empire State Building does not light up because the birds become attracted to the lights.

The lights are changed at the upper portion of the spire,using 5 panes of flourescent light tubes that consist of 5 colors, yellow, red, green, white, and blue. ;

The colors are changed by turning a switch. On another part of the roof there are large white spotlights in metal frames;and large colored, disk like shaped gels of yellow, red,blue, green,pink orange , orange, purple and lavender that are placed into the frames.

The lights are titled towards the facade of the building which makes the colors project onto the building. The electricians in the building's handle all the color changes.

The Empire State Building witnessed the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11 in 2001,and became the tallest building in NYC, until May 1, 2012, as One World Trade Tower was being built on the spot the Twin Towers once stood.

Every year The Empire State Building hosts a Valentine’s Event

The Empire State Building Valentine's Day Weddings Event is held annually atop this famous building. Every year The Empire State Building holds a contest for 14 couples couples from all over the world to be chosen to get married on top of The Empire State Buiding. Applicants submit their personal stories of romance, photos and give reasons why they want their wedding ceremony to have their ceremony to be at The Empire State Building. Winners are chosen based on the creativity and originality of their stories, and the emotional connections they have to this building.

In 1933, the movie King Kong, which featured a gigantic ape standing on top of The Empire State Building. There were many, many films this building was featured in, here are some of the most well known movies, although there are many many more that what is listed here:

• 1939 romantic drama Love Affair, along
• 1957's An Affair to Remember
• 1993 film Sleepless in Seattle all dealt with lovelorn couples meeting (or failing to meet) on the observation deck of the building.

The Empire State Building was constructed as an engineering marvel in 1931. Today, the innovation and technology continues, as the building undergoes a renovation project that will make the building more energy efficient. The retrofit has already saved over $2.4 million dollars in energy costs. According to the World Business Council, in the U.S. 40% of energy is used by buildings. In dense city settings, similar to NYC, commercial and office buildings account for about 75% of energy consumption. The Empire State Building is leading the way for other commercial buildings to follow this green energy model.

To build the Empire State building, it took 1 year and 45 days. To do the renovations to make it more energy efficient, it took 2 years.

If you would like to visit the Empire State Building, you can buy tickets to the Observation Deck. At the top of the Empire State Building, you will get a breathtaking panoramic view of NYC and beyond. There are 2 observation decks. One is an air terrace with an indoor viewing area, on the 86th floor where you will stand, 1,050 feet above the city. With high powered binoculars you can view the New York City skyline.

The 2nd observation area is on the 102nd foor, which is the highest public viewpoint in all of NYC. On a clear day, you can view New York City, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

Every year, approximately 4 million people visit these observation decks.

• If you buy your ticket online you don’t have to stand in line to purchase it. You can buy an express ticket for a little more money that will allow you access to the front of the line. To find out about wait times, you can call The Empire State Building (212) 736-3100 or toll free (877) NYC-VIEW (877-692-8439).

You can also purchase a ticket for TheNew York SKYRIDE flight simulated ride around New York

The New York Skyride is located inside the 2nd floor of the Empire State Building. It is a 30 minute narrated adventure that uses an 18 foot HD screen to show you some of the most famous landmarks in the metropolitan area.

Read Part 1 - Facts About The Empire State Building by Clicking Here