The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, and it has a rich history that many people are interested in. One of the most common questions asked about this building is how long it took to construct. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Empire State Building and provide a detailed answer to this question.
History of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was designed by architect William F. Lamb and constructed by the general contracting company Starrett Brothers and Eken. The building was commissioned by John J. Raskob, a businessman who wanted to create the tallest building in the world. The construction of the Empire State Building began in 1930 and was completed in 1931.
Construction Process of the Empire State Building
The construction of the Empire State Building was a remarkable feat of engineering that involved thousands of workers and cutting-edge technology for the time. The building stands at 1,454 feet tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. The construction process was divided into different stages, and each stage required a different set of skills and tools.
Here is a breakdown of the construction process of the Empire State Building:
- Site Preparation: The first step in the construction process was site preparation. This involved clearing the site and laying the foundation. The foundation of the Empire State Building is 55 feet deep, and it required 10,000 cubic yards of concrete and 730 tons of steel.
- Steel Structure: The next step was to erect the steel structure of the building. The steel framework of the building required 57,000 tons of steel, which was erected in just 11 months. The steelwork was done at an incredible pace of 4.5 floors per week.
- Masonry Work: Once the steel structure was in place, the masonry work began. The exterior of the building was made of Indiana limestone, and the interior was made of brick and terracotta. The masonry work took 13 months to complete.
- Electrical Work: The next step was to install the electrical system of the building. This involved laying 350,000 feet of electrical cable and installing 8,000 light bulbs.
- Elevator Installation: The Empire State Building has 73 elevators, which required a separate team of workers to install them. The elevators were installed at a rate of one per day.
- Finishing Touches: The final step in the construction process was to add the finishing touches. This included installing the windows, doors, and other fixtures.
Timeline of the Empire State Building Construction
The construction of the Empire State Building was completed in just over a year, which was a remarkable achievement considering the size and complexity of the building. Here is a timeline of the construction process:
- January 22, 1930: Construction begins
- September 1930: Steel framework construction begins
- May 1, 1931: Building completed
- May 1, 1931, to April 11, 1932: Interior work completed
The Empire State Building is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the engineers and workers who built it. The construction of the building was completed in just over a year, which was an incredible feat for the time. The building still stands today as a symbol of New York City and the United States, and it continues to inspire people around the world with its beauty and grandeur.
The construction of the Empire State Building took approximately one year and four months to complete. The building stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its builders, and it remains one of the most iconic structures in the world.