I have always said that my favorite building in Manhattan is the Empire State Building. It's iconic...it's brave...it's a symbol of what makes New York so fantastic. The art deco style building was finished in 1931. Amazingly, the work on the building began January 22, 1930 and officially opened on May 1, 1931 - a little over a year's time. The building's construction was accelerated due to the fact that the United States was coming out of the Great Depression. Laborers lucky enough to find work were committed to doing their best work and keep a job to support their very poor families. Their strong commitment to this building (and work, in general!) got the job completed in record time considering it's size. The Empire State Building was once New York's (and at one time, the world's) tallest building. That was until the World Trade Center Towers were finished in 1979. After the horrific events of 9/11, the Empire State Building became once again, the city's tallest building. However, once the Freedom Tower is completed in 2012, that building will claim the title of the tallest structure. I feel like the story of the ESB being the tallest building but then later being surpassed, then out of circumstance becomes the largest again only to be usurped once more is a great metaphor for New York as a whole and the people who live here. Our stories are similar. We work hard to be the best, rise up, become the greatest - we may stumble and get passed by something bigger/quicker/smarter but we move ahead, learn, grow and meet our obstacles never wavering. We stand taller, smarter and tougher with more beauty each year we live on. I'm glad to live here in New York. I'm glad to have such amazing buildings to look at each day. I'm fortunate, as well, to know such wonderful photographers such as RJH to capture this city in every light. This was taken from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Amazing.
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