Visiting New York? Empire State Building is a Must See

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, NEW YORK

The most famous skyscraper in the world started out as purely speculative venture for which building costs were initially estimated at 50$million.

Contracts were signed in September 1929, merely weeks before the stock market crash. Yet the building broke records, not only for height but for speed of construction.

The job was completed 45 days ahead of schedule and 5$ million dollars under budget.

Today, it remains a sleek Art Deco landmark, prized for the views from its 86th and 102nd floor observatories and for the lighting of its upper floors that changes color to salute holidays (red-white-blue for the Fourth of July) and other events.

But the Empire State Building is more than just a pretty facade. Designed to act as a lighting rod, it protects other nearby properties, absorbing about 100 hits a year.

350 Fifth Avenue.