Originally, the site where the Empire State Building now stands belonged to the prominent Astor family, who owned a luxury hotel there. However, as time passed, the hotel began to lose its splendor, and New York’s high society moved elsewhere. This led to the Astor family selling their property and building a new hotel on Park Avenue.
The land was eventually acquired by Empire State Inc., a corporation comprised of wealthy investors who wanted to construct a new skyscraper there. Fueled by fierce competition to build the world’s tallest building, construction began in 1930 amid the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. Despite the numerous design changes and the economic instability of the era, the project moved forward rapidly, ahead of schedule. Remarkably, the skyscraper was completed in just 410 days, officially opening its doors on May 1, 1931.
More than 90 years after its construction, the Empire State Building remains an iconic landmark symbolizing New York City.
Hyundong Lee Staff Reporter junior/1776299911/1613367831
1. Who originally owned the site of the Empire State Building?
2. How many days did it take to complete the skyscraper?
3. What was the economic situation during the buildings construction?
4. In which year did the Empire State Building officially open?
1. Why do cities compete to build the world’s tallest skyscrapers?
2. How does a landmark become a symbol of a city?
3. Is historical architecture more important than modern office space?
4. How has the purpose of skyscrapers changed over the years?
Originally, the site where the Empire State Building now stands belonged to the prominent Astor family, who owned a luxury hotel there. However, as time passed, the hotel began to lose its splendor, and New York’s high society moved elsewhere. This led to the Astor family selling their property and building a new hotel on Park Avenue.
