Surprising Facts about the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the most famous building in New York City and is known worldwide for its stature and colorful light display. However, there are a few things you may not know about one of the tallest buildings in the world.

1. It Was Built in the Middle of an Architectural Race: When NYC’s economy was at an all-time high in the 1920s, builders were in a wild hurry to erect the world’s tallest building. The Empire State Building took the lead in 1929 when mayor, Al Smith, announced that it would be over 1000 feet tall. Upon its completion in 1931, at 1250 feet, it stood as the tallest building in the world - before losing the title to the first World Trade Center in 1970.
2. It Was Built in Record Time: Regardless of its massive structure, the Empire State Building’s planning and construction were completed in just 20 months! In a total of 410 days, the contractors used an assembly line process of 3400 men each day to build the skeleton, averaging four and a half stories every week. The building ended up being finished ahead of schedule and under budget.
3. It Was Considered a Financial Flop: The 1929 stock market crash gave the building a less than successful start. After having less than 25% of the space occupied, the building earned the nickname “Empty State Building,” and the owners resorted to publicity stunts to entice renters. It wasn’t until World War II that the building finally gained momentum and profit.
4. There Was an Entire Floor Dedicated to Napping: Even busy New Yorkers can appreciate naptime. Between 2004 and 2008, the 24th floor of the Empire State Building hosted an area where tired workers could snooze in futuristic-looking pods for twenty-minute intervals. The pods provided varying darkness levels and ambient sounds to help people relax. Unfortunately, they were removed when the building’s visitor policy changed.

From its inception to its current fame-claiming design, the Empire State Building has created a name and legacy for itself that is impossible to ignore. The next time you look at the color scheme displayed on the building’s upper floors, remember that there’s always more to find out about New York City’s most famous structure.

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