See the Magnificent Empire State Building When in NYC

For nearly 40 years, the Empire State Building stood as the world’s tallest building – from its construction in 1931 until it was topped by the North Tower of the original World Trade Center in 1970.  It was subsequently also “overshadowed” by the One World Trade Center that saw construction in 2012.  Today, it ranks as the 2th tallest skyscraper in the world – the fifth tallest in the United States.  It has a roof height of 1, 250 ft (381 m), and when its antenna spire is included, stands at a total of 1, 454 ft (443 m) high.  It totals 102 stories, is the tallest structure leading in Energy and Environmental Design, and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable architectural icons of New York City and the United States.

The interior of the Empire State Building is now mostly commercial and office spaces – though most tourists flock to the indoor and outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor.  The other 16 stories feature an art deco tower with a 203 ft (62 m) pinnacle.  This is mostly covered with broadcast antennas, and at the very tip is a lightning rod.  Nearly all the city’s commercial broadcast stations transmit from the top of the Empire State Building.  Its base covers an area of about 2 acres, has 73 elevators and houses 1,000 some 1,000 business at which approximately 21,000 employees work.  Being the second largest single office complex in America (second only to the Pentagon), the Empire State Building has its own zip code.

There is an exhibit of the building’s construction, as well as a gift shop, on the 80th floor.   The Observation Deck on the 86th floor can be reached by elevators or stairs, and from this vantage point the visitor can have a wonderful 360-degree view of the city of New York.  A much smaller, but enclosed Observation Deck is located on the 102nd floor.  These have been visited by over 110 million people, and the queues to enter are record long – so if you are planning to visit the Observation Deck, be sure to book your tickets in advance, and arrive early so you don’t end up spending so much of your time waiting in line.

There is also a complementary motion simulator ride located on the 2nd floor, too – this is a simulation of an aerial tour over the city.  But perhaps the one other notable feature of the Empire State Building are its lights.  The colors change by season, by holiday, by evens, and even in commemoration of the passing of certain celebrated personalities such as Frank Sinatra, Fay Wray, and the tragedy of the destruction of the World Trade Center. 

To be able to truly appreciate these light displays, however, one needs to be at a vantage point some distance from the building, and with a good view.

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