Mysteries surrounding the planet’s most recognizable skyscraper – standing tall at the city center
New York City
– have finally been revealed in
unique interviews conducted for the Daily Mail
.
Standing tall, vibrant and renowned for 94 years, the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan has served as a symbol of human advancement and ingenuity, adapting over time to fulfill the shifting needs of contemporary society.
“The Empire State Building possesses an almost legendary scale, which is precisely what attracts visitors,” Tony Malkin, Chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, stated in the most recent episode of Daily Mail’s World’s Busiest Buildings series.
Drawing in over 15,000 visitors each day — with numerous people traveling from all corners of the world specifically to view its iconic 103-story frame — this towering skyscraper, astonishingly built within slightly more than one year, has stood as an international icon for almost a hundred years now.
‘We welcome individuals from across the globe—places like Australia,’
New Zealand
, Africa,
London
— ‘around the globe,’ stated Renita Edmond, who serves as the VIP ambassador for the Empire State Building.
‘She mentioned they aspire to visit this location, home to the tallest and most famous structure globally,’ she said. ‘Their destination is New York City, deemed as the most thrilling spot on earth. It’s my responsibility to ensure their journey becomes reality.’
We manage to accommodate around 14 to 15,000 individuals daily, and many guests become emotional due to their joy. They consistently wear broad smiles simply for the opportunity to view New York from an alternative viewpoint.
Inside the renowned skyscraper are 2.8 million square feet of operational office space, featuring an impressive 100,000 square-foot observation deck and another 60,000 square feet allocated for dining venues and contemporary facilities.
Malkin stated, “This place serves as a hub for both radio and television broadcasting.” He further elaborated, “Here we also host airline offices, employment agencies, fintech companies, social media service providers, engineering firms, legal practices, along with numerous multi-story occupants.”
‘In reality, it serves several commercial objectives, yet in people’s perceptions, it embodies their aspirations,’ he remarked.
Given the size of the structure, regulating its internal climate requires a meticulous approach managed by a specialized group of engineers. They closely monitor all aspects including HVAC systems, plumbing, and safety protocols.
Buried in the basement lies a covert wind tunnel intended to circulate fresh air through the building’s ventilation system, extending as far as Fifth Avenue. Additionally, an underground stream courses underneath the edifice, adding another surprising element.
“Please be cautious, sir, extremely cautious. The area can get quite slippery,” cautioned Nick Martone, the Empire State Building’s assistant chief engineer, as he led the producer through the dimly lit, wet, and confined space of the seldom-accessed wind tunnel.
There is a natural stream flowing beneath this structure, which accounts for much of the water you’re seeing,” Martone explained. “It’s possible to observe it coursing through several of these walls.
“When I worked as an assistant, my job was to clean this area. They assigned me a broom and a shovel and basically made me prove myself,” he mentioned additionally.
“Will you pay your dues down in the basement?” the producer quipped.
Martone laughed and said, “Sure, pay your dues, right? But that’s fine.”
One of the most famous areas within the structure is the 102nd floor, which features a remarkable 360-degree observatory providing sweeping vistas of New York City. This breathtaking attraction brings in millions of tourists annually.
Malkin stated that ‘The Empire State Building Observatory has been ranked first among global attractions according to TripAdvisor.’
We connect that global symbol, the mythic status of the Empire State Building, to the concept of time intertwined with dreams and ambitions. We provide the children with their desired sights and offer the adults content tailored to their preferences.
For longtime employees such as Edmond — who has dedicated an astounding 26 years to working within the premises — the biggest pleasure comes from seeing New York through the fresh perspective of newcomers encountering it for the very first time.
It’s quite moving, you might say,” she remarked. “My perspective of New York has completely changed now. I’ve spent my entire life here; this is where I was born and raised. But seeing it through their eyes makes me view New York differently.
From the vantage point of the observation deck, guests can look down upon well-known sites including LaGuardia and JFK airports, Central Park, and others, providing an elevated view of New York’s most famous attractions.
This project was completed in just thirteen and a half months, overcoming numerous challenges along the way,” Malkin stated. “It seemed almost unbelievable upon completion.
But it extends further than that, as people genuinely form emotional connections, and that’s truly remarkable,” he said. “There aren’t many tangible items that elicit such emotions—especially those not directly from nature.
‘The Grand Canyon, the Alps; when you consider these places, the Empire State Building ranks alongside them in terms of iconic associations.’
One of the primary objectives of the Empire State Building has consistently been to adapt to the era, reinventing itself as a modern wonder while staying deeply embedded in the soul of New York City.
“We stand out as one of the most energy-efficient structures across all eras globally,” Malkin stated, highlighting that initiatives like water conservation, recycling, and composting have significantly contributed to establishing the Empire State Building’s reputation.
In line with its contemporary, environmentally friendly efforts, the Empire State Building also fosters urban biodiversity through beehives actively maintained on its sixth floor, subtly aiding the city’s ecological well-being.
‘Morgan Jarrett, who serves as the executive chef at the iconic State Grill and Bar within the building, mentioned to the Daily Mail that they collect honey approximately every six months. They then share some of this honey with us, which we integrate into various dishes whenever possible.’
Although the 100th anniversary of the Empire State Building is imminent, the committed team inside works diligently to keep it as an enduring emblem of New York, safeguarding its legendary reputation for future generations.
The building is 94 years old but instead of demolishing it, we constantly enhance and upgrade it,” stated Malkin.
‘While things may evolve, the Empire State Building will consistently stand out as a global icon and remain a premier workspace. It will also continue to hold a significant cultural position from this viewpoint—a truly thrilling prospect.’
You can learn more about the mysteries surrounding the Empire State Building on the Daily Mail’s YouTube channel.
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