The Truth Behind the Empire State Building

The history of the pire State Building is full of dark stories and unusual facts. It was the first commercial building project built with the use of the fast-track construction technique. More than 3,500 men worked at the construction site. The workers were paid exceptionally well. Final construction costs are $24.7 million.

The Empire State Building, with its incredible height, became a tempting destination for those who want to commit suicide. And the first suicide happens even before the Empire State Building is finished. Several people jump from the observation deck in 1947. That's when the deck gets its “suicide fence.”
TIMESTAMPS:
A great skyscraper race 1:11
Why a spire was added to the project plan 3:15
When excavation for the Empire State Building began 4:25
When it was completed 7:25
How long it remained the tallest building in the world 8:06
How many people commited suicide there 8:55
The most tragic event in the life of the skyscraper 10:06
#empirestatebuilding #newyorkhistory #scysrapers
Music by Epidemic Sound
SUMMARY:
- The story we're interested in starts in the year 1929. Walter Chrysler, the founder of Chrysler Corporation, is planning to participate in the skyscraper race. He starts the construction of the 1,046-ft Chrysler Building.
- Architect William F. Lamb creates the original drawing of the future Empire State Building. This enormous task takes him only 2 weeks. The center of the building is very compact, containing toilets, shafts, hallways, vertical circulation, and mail chutes.
- This enormous project is supposed to be done in a mere 18 months. General contractors Starrett Brothers and Eken win this job. They immediately get down to their unusual task.
- Most probably to out-scale the Chrysler building, Mr. Raskob demands that his building should have “a hat.” That's how a crafty spire is added to the project plan.
- In January 1930, excavation for the Empire State Building begins. Simultaneously, contractors demolish the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel, which was the previous occupant of the site.
- The speed at which the frame of the future skyscraper rises is incredible: 4 and a half stories every week. This project becomes a model of efficiency. The contractors and engineers create different innovations that save money, manpower, and time.
- Besides the steel frame, the project needs 10 million bricks, 200,000 ft² of granite and limestone, 62,000 yd³ of concrete, and 10,000 ft² of marble. On top of that, 300,000 ft² of marble is used for the office floors, hallways, and elevator lobbies. More than 3,500 men work at the construction site.
- The Empire State Building is completed on April 11, 1931, well ahead of time. Instead of the planned 18 months, the construction process takes only 15. Final construction costs are $24.7 million instead of the expected $43 million.
- For the length of its history, since 1931, the building has seen more than 30 people end their lives. The first suicide happens even before the Empire State Building is finished. Several people jump from the observation deck in 1947.
- But the most tragic event in the life of the skyscraper takes place in 1945. On July 28, Lt. Colonel William Smith crashes a B-25 bomber into the north wall of the Empire State Building.
Subscribe to Bright Side :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Social Media:
Facebook:
Instagram:
5-Minute Crafts Youtube:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more videos and articles visit: