Empire State Building

To many the Empire State Building is one of the most renowned tourist attractions within New York City, and is high atop the list of many New York sightseers. In previous decades, the skyscrapers relevance in pop culture was sky-high, as it was included in many different pieces of literature and films.
Standing at 102 stories tall, the Empire State Building is located where 5th Avenue and West 34th Street collide. The name of the building is derived from the nick name for New York, which is also known as The Empire State.

After its erection, the building was the tallest building in the world for longer than four decades. Construction of the Empire State Building ended in 1931, and the building remained the world's tallest building until several other buildings were built in the city, including the World Trade Center North Tower, which eclipsed its mark when it was finished in 1972. Following the events of September 11th, 2001, during which the North Tower collapsed after having a jetliner flown into it, the Empire State Building is once again the tallest skyscraper in the city, towering above the rest.

The huge building has received numerous awards for its excellent architecture. In fact, even in 2007, over 70 years after construction on the tower was completed, it was still ranked number one on the List of America's Favorite Architecture, which is an award that is given by the American Institute of Architects. The a ward shows how beloved the skyscraper is in American culture, even now.

As of today, the Empire State Building is recognized as the 3rd highest skyscraper in America (surpassed only by the Willis Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower), and is also recognized as the 15th tallest building in the world. The building is in the process of undergoing some serious renovation to ensure that the building is ready for the future. During the renovation, they will ensure that the building is up to energy efficiency standards and environmentally safe.

The building was designed by William F. Lamb, whose firm produced the blueprints for the building in less than 14 days, using a plethora of previous designs. Work officially began on the Empire State Building on March 17th, 1930. At the time, New York was chasing the title of having the world's tallest building, and the Empire State Building would be a solution to that problem.

When the tower first opened on May 1, 1931, it instantly became one of the largest New York attractions, attracting those who were sightseeing New York. Still today, the Empire State Building is the centerpiece of many pictures of New York. The building lights up the night sky, with its renowned floodlights that are pointed toward the top of the building.

Today, nearly 70 years after the skyscraper was constructed, it stands for the liberty and grandeur of the United States. Although it is no longer the tallest building it the world, its relevance in pop culture is still evident through photos of New York City, as it stands above every building that surrounds it. The Empire State Building is an iconic American site.

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