topic Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building! in Community Chat

Happy 95th Empire State Building!

They CallMe MRWILKES — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:59:21 GMT

The Empire State Building opened officially on May 1, 1931.

The photos of its construction are breathtaking! Professional photographers were hired to document the construction.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

They CallMe MRWILKES — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:31:23 GMT

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

They CallMe MRWILKES — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:35:09 GMT

Notice Gimbel's down on 34th Street!

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

drizzellla — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:01:34 GMT

Thanks for the photos @They CallMe MRWILKES .

I had heard these facts several years ago. And found it hard to believe -

The Empire State Building was constructed in 410 days (approximately 13 months) from the start of foundation work, though the total project timeline including planning and concurrent design was 18 months.

Still hard to believe.

PS - My Grandfather was an engineer for the American Bridge Company. He also worked on the Empire State Building.

When my Dad was 10 years old he and his Dad climbed up the suspension tower of the George Washington Bridge. Guess you didn't need roller coasters then. Just climb things being built.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

CANDLEQUEEN — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:40:38 GMT

I am so afraid of heights, I can't imagine those men that high up just laying there or sitting there like its nothing! lol.... I have been up in the Empire State Building at least 4 or 5 times though-its beautiful...

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

They CallMe MRWILKES — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:43:04 GMT

President Hoover was present for opening day, with a ceremonial "turning on the lights."

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

haddon9 — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:46:31 GMT

Amazing how those men were so fearless getting so high up with no safety lines! Just looking at those photos of them makes me dizzy!

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

MorningLover — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:49:28 GMT

The Empire State Building opened in 1931 amid the Great Depression yet finished in just 410 days, turning economic despair into an enduring symbol of American grit.

"I most cordially congratulate you on the Empire State Building... and it must long remain one of the outstanding glories of a great city." — Herbert Hoover (May 1, 1931)

On this day, May 1, 1931, the iconic Empire State Building was dedicated and officially opened in New York City. Rising 102 stories to 1,250 feet at the roof (1,454 feet with its iconic spire), this Art Deco masterpiece was constructed in a record-breaking 410 days (just 13½ months) during the depths of the Great Depression — a stunning feat of American engineering that employed up to 3,400 workers at peak and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Former Governor Alfred E. Smith led the ribbon-cutting with his grandchildren at the Fifth Avenue entrance, while President Herbert Hoover symbolically pressed a button from the White House to light up the building for the first time.

Guests, including then-Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, gathered for a luncheon on the 86th-floor observatory, celebrating this beacon of resilience, vision, and ingenuity that held the title of the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

Bookplate — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:29:40 GMT

Great photos; thanks for posting. That picture of the men sitting so casually on the beam will never not make me queasy!

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

geezerette — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:48:58 GMT

I was interested in finding out how many deaths occurred during its building. This is what I found:

Official records indicate that five workers died during the construction of the Empire State Building (1930–1931). The fatalities involved falls, a truck accident, a hoist accident, and a blast. While some reports have suggested higher numbers, five is the commonly cited figure for worker fatalities during the 13-month project.

Key Details Regarding Construction Safety:

Total Deaths: Five workers.
Causes of Fatalities: According to, these included falling from a scaffold, being hit by a truck, falling down an elevator shaft, being hit by a hoist, and a blast incident.
Construction Duration: The building was completed in 13 months, or 410 days, using a team of roughly 3,400 workers.
Context: While fatalities occurred, the rate was considered relatively low for a project of its size at the time.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

Estellee — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:58:54 GMT

Such great old photos @They CallMe MRWILKES she looks good for 95 years old.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

Desertdi — Fri, 01 May 2026 20:29:37 GMT

The iron workers on the high- rise beams are called "skywalkers"

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

catter70 — Fri, 01 May 2026 20:48:44 GMT

What brave guys they were. I have issues with a step ladder. Thanks for posting the photos.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

SoCal Bred — Fri, 01 May 2026 20:55:07 GMT

My goodness, such brave workers and body balance on those high beams without harnesses to protect them and a job well done!

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

shoekitty — Fri, 01 May 2026 21:35:30 GMT

it is amazing how this was competed in that day and age, in so short a period. Yes, the design is amazing..the marble, stone and gorgeous stature a sight to behold. What I think about most when I look at that building is the brave men who built it. How did they ever have the nerve, the guts, to get out on narrow platforms I'll never know!!! They literally built it with their hands!! No OSHA, no union to complain, long hours, no appropriate clothing, or decent work boots. In hot weather and cold. Geesh,I know the grunt workers couldnt have been paid a huge salary. It took grit and guts to build those buildings. I have been in the Empire building, it is so gorgeous. Omg, you walk in lobby, and the marble, stone granite. Gleam and sparkled like the day it was opened! What a treasure. You can pass by it on the street and never see the the enormity of it. Yes, you need to see it inside, but to view it from a far really takes your breath away!

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

JudyL — Fri, 01 May 2026 21:36:57 GMT

Even seeing the pics of the men up so high made me dizzy and a little woozy. LOL Brave men, they were.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

Bookplate — Fri, 01 May 2026 23:19:06 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
The iron workers on the high- rise beams are called "skywalkers"

@Desertdi Many of the amazing skywalkers who worked on the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Twin Towers, and the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges, to name just a few, were members of the Mohawk Nation.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

drizzellla — Fri, 01 May 2026 23:21:37 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
I was interested in finding out how many deaths occurred during its building. This is what I found:

Official records indicate that five workers died during the construction of the Empire State Building (1930–1931). The fatalities involved falls, a truck accident, a hoist accident, and a blast. While some reports have suggested higher numbers, five is the commonly cited figure for worker fatalities during the 13-month project.

Key Details Regarding Construction Safety:
Total Deaths: Five workers.
Causes of Fatalities: According to, these included falling from a scaffold, being hit by a truck, falling down an elevator shaft, being hit by a hoist, and a blast incident.
Construction Duration: The building was completed in 13 months, or 410 days, using a team of roughly 3,400 workers.
Context: While fatalities occurred, the rate was considered relatively low for a project of its size at the time.

Isn't that interesting Total Deaths: Five Workers

A company I worked for, built a new building in 1972. It was 38 floors. And 3 construction workers were killed building my company's building.

Sad the numbers still are too many.

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

Oznell — Sat, 02 May 2026 00:11:54 GMT

An Art Deco masterpiece! Thanks for posting, @They CallMe MRWILKES .

Re: Happy 95th Empire State Building!

timeless — Sat, 02 May 2026 01:54:42 GMT

I knew you are a "geek", Mr. Wilkes.

This post confirms it.

Please share more of your observations.

Specifically, I'm asking what you think of our country's (?)

architecture that is... "Roman-esk".