- Land is where original Waldorf Astoria hotel was located
- Held the title of world's tallest building for 40 years
- Celebrates 90th birthday on 1 May 2021
Tomorrow, the Empire State Building becomes a nonagenarian.
Opening on the first of May 1931, the iconic New York City building held the title of world’s tallest building for forty years until the first of the famous Twin Towers, also known as the World Trade Centre, was completed in 1972.
Jean-Yves Ghazi, President of the Observatory at the Empire State Building said the building has played host to many dignitaries across the ages:
“We’ve welcomed everyone from the Queen of England to the Queen of Christmas (Mariah Carey) through our doors,”
Jean-Yves Ghazi, President of the Observatory at the Empire State Building
As the building celebrates its ninetieth birthday, CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, Anthony Malkin said it is keeping the trendsetting spirit imbued in the Empire State Building name, keeping up to date in several ways.
“Today she is fully modernized for the 21st century, a world leader in energy efficiency retrofits in the built environment, indoor environmental quality, and on building health practices.”
Anthony Malkin, CEO Empire State Realty Trust
Despite Covid still preventing the masses from returning to visit the New York icon, building management is not looking pensively into the horizon for a brighter day.
$165 million in refurbishments mean the tower now has a suite of new experiences for visitors who will return as New York officially reopens on the first of July.
Empire State Realty said a number of new experiences include special lighting and a historical tour dedicated to the milestone birthday, along with a number of collector’s items.
It wouldn’t be New York without the sight of a mermaid gazing out from a coffee cup, visitors will be treated to a 90 cent beverage to commemorate the occasion.
