The Empire State Building, an iconic symbol of New York City, was the world’s tallest tower in 1931, standing at an impressive 1,250 feet. However, the title was short-lived, as two other skyscrapers, 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building, were in a heated competition to take the crown.
40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building: The Predecessors
The Chrysler Building, originally intended to be 808 feet tall, was eventually topped out at 925 feet. However, its owners decided to raise the building height to 927 feet, while the Chrysler Building’s architect, William Van Alen, was allowed to install a 125-foot spire. On the other hand, 40 Wall Street, first planned to be 840 feet tall, had its height raised to 927 feet as well.
- These two skyscrapers were in a dead heat with the Empire State Building, which was being constructed across town.
- The owners of 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building were determined to make their buildings the tallest in the world.
The Chrysler Building finally took the top spot, but only for a short time. In August 1929, Empire State Inc., a five-person partnership, announced a plan to build a 1,050-foot building with a 200-foot metal “crown” that would bring the roof height to 1,250 feet.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Architectural Firm | Shreve, Lamb and Harmon |
| Structural Engineer | Homer G. Balcom |
| General Contractor | Starrett Brothers and Eken |
Design and Construction
The Empire State Building’s design was led by William F. Lamb, a renowned architect, who was part of the firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. The building’s structural engineer was Homer G. Balcom, and the general contractor was Starrett Brothers and Eken. The building’s design featured a five-story-tall base that filled the 423-foot x 200-foot site on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, with an 81-story main shaft set back sharply to meet zoning requirements.
“The building skyscrapers is the nearest peace-time equivalent of war.”
— William A. Starrett
The Empire State Building’s construction was a massive undertaking that required the use of advanced technology and innovative techniques. The building’s steel structure was designed to be incredibly strong, with 57,000 tons of steel used in its construction, which was more than any other building at the time.
A Hard Deadline
The owner of the Empire State Building insisted that the building be ready for occupancy by May 1, 1931, just 18 months after its construction began. Architect Lamb was hired in September 1929, and design drawings and construction were concurrent.
| Construction Timeline | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Work | March 17, 1930 | October 1, 1929 |
| Steel Erection | April 7, 1930 | September 19, 1930 |
| Roofing | November 21, 1930 | April 11, 1931 |
A Fast-tracked Icon
The Empire State Building’s construction was an incredible feat of engineering, with the building rising to its final height in just 410 days. The building’s steel structure was erected at an incredible pace, with 22 stories of steel being placed in just 22 working days. The building’s workforce peaked at 3,500, and included many Irish and Italian immigrants, as well as Mohawk ironworkers from the Kahnawake First Nations reserve near Montreal. Despite the challenges and risks involved, the building was completed on April 11, 1931.
Key to Project Success
The Empire State Building’s success can be attributed to the rigorous monitoring system developed by its designer, William A. Starrett. A team of inspectors roamed the site every day, recording the amount of work that was done and providing near real-time indicators of progress or delays. This information was used to calculate the actual labor-unit cost for each portion of work, allowing Starrett and his superintendent, John W. Bowser, to take steps quickly to avoid or fix problems.
Wind Resistance and Safety Features
The Empire State Building was designed with wind resistance in mind. The building’s design featured a unique system of sway resistance, which was tested in 1945 when a B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed into the building. Despite the devastating impact, the building escaped severe damage and reopened just two days later.
A Lasting Legacy
The Empire State Building is considered an Art Deco masterpiece and a symbol of New York City. Its 86th and 102nd floor observatories draw 4 million visitors per year, and the building continues to serve as a hub for business and commerce. In 2019, the building underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of new elevators and the restoration of its iconic Art Deco design.
Conclusion
The Empire State Building is an iconic symbol of New York City and a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its designers and builders. Its construction was a remarkable feat of engineering, and its legacy continues to inspire and awe people to this day.
