Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Field Notes • Places

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Completed in 1931, it held the title of world's tallest building for 41 years and remains a major office tower and tourist attraction.

What it is

The Empire State Building is a steel-framed office tower designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon in the Art Deco style. It stands at 350 Fifth Avenue, between West 33rd and 34th Streets. Its name comes from New York's nickname, the “Empire State.”

Key details

The building has 102 floors, a roof height of 1,250 feet, and a total height of 1,454 feet including its antenna. Construction took about one year and 45 days, finishing in 1931 during the Great Depression. It was the world's tallest building until surpassed by the World Trade Center in 1970/1971.

Why it matters

The Empire State Building is one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks, known for its observation decks and frequent appearances in film and television. It is a major tourist destination and a frequent reference point in Canadian media and travel.

In short

  • Completed in 1931, it was the world's tallest building for 41 years.
  • Art Deco design by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon.
  • 102 floors, 1,454 feet tall including antenna.
  • Major tourist attraction with observation decks.
Canadian angle

The Empire State Building is a major North American landmark and a frequent reference point in Canadian media, travel, and popular culture. Canadian visitors to New York City often include it as a major sightseeing destination.

Quick questions

When was the Empire State Building completed?
It was completed in 1931.
How tall is the Empire State Building?
It is 1,250 feet tall to the roof and 1,454 feet tall including its antenna.
Where is the Empire State Building located?
It is on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, at 34th Street.

Sources

  1. Empire State Buildinghttps://www.esbnyc.com/about/facts-figures
    Supports: Official facts on height and building statistics.
  2. CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/us/empire-state-building-fast-facts
    Supports: Location, floor count, height, and construction timeline.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Empire-State-Building
    Supports: Architects, style, location, completion date, and historical significance.
  4. PBShttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/empire_state.html
    Supports: Completion date, height, materials, and historical record as tallest building.
  5. Historyhttps://www.history.com/articles/10-surprising-facts-about-the-empire-state-building
    Supports: Opening date and height at dedication.
  6. Kiddlehttps://kids.kiddle.co/Empire_State_Building
    Supports: Named after New York's nickname and general landmark facts.