Fun Facts About the Empire State Building

Construction Was Light-Speed

The post-depression era was a time of rapid construction. Just as The New Yorker Hotel, the Empire State Building was built extremely fast. Construction began on March 17, 1930 and the framework rose 4 ½ stories per week! By May 1st, 1931, the new high rise was completed. 

King Kong Movie and the Empire State Building

The King Kong movie was released in 1933. The scene of the giant gorilla climbing to the top of the Empire State Building is one of the most famous movie scenes in history. And the Empire State is proud of it, so much so that an exhibition featuring King Kong was inaugurated last year. 

Cleaning the Empire State Building Took Months

In 1962, the entire building was cleaned for the first time since inauguration. The clean art deco lines took six months to clean from top to bottom. The cleaning crew consisted of 30 hard-working souls. 

Weddings Take Place on Valentine’s Day

Couples dreaming of marrying in a world-famous landmark have been getting their wish since 1994. The first round of weddings included 250 couples! Since then, every Valentine’s Day lucky couples marry in a televised event. 

The Empire State Building Has Its Own Zip Code

Back in 1980, the iconic art deco building officially took over a small section of New York. The Empire State Building was given its very own zip code: 10118. 

Renovation Took Longer Than Construction

Remember that the Empire State Building was built in just over a year? Renovation began in 2006 and was completed in 2009. The plan included the restoration and recreation of the building’s original art deco details and original gold and aluminum ceiling. 

Are you interested in more New York history? The New Yorker Hotel recently turned 90. Read about our long relationship with the city and the evolution of the most iconic hotel in New York.