They say everything is big in Texas, but there’s something to be said about New York with the iconic Central Park and the many skyscrapers that loom over New York City. New York City is home to some of the world’s most impressive skyscrapers, most having been at one time the tallest in the world.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and was the world’s tallest building until 1972. It is 102 stories tall, reaching a height of 1454 feet when including the antenna spire. Many buildings since then have grabbed the title of world’s tallest building, but in 2001, after the September 11th terror attacks on the World Trade Center, it became the tallest building in New York.
World Trade Center and the New Buildings in Progress
Though it was destroyed in a terror attack on September 11, 2001, it is worth mentioning because the North Tower was the tallest building in the world upon completion in 1972. It lost its title to the Sears Tower in Chicago in 1974. Today, construction is under way on the site of the original World Trade Center. The Four World Trade Center, to be completed in 2013, will be surpassed by the One, Two, and Three World Trade Center buildings. It already surpasses the Empire State Building, knocking it to third place.
One Court Square
Completed in 1990, One Court Square is the tallest building in New York built outside Manhattan and the tallest building on Long Island at 658 feet tall. There are plenty of buildings in Manhattan far taller than One Court Square, but it is still a formidable building compared to others outside Manhattan.
Chrysler Building
Completed in 1930, the Chrysler Building held the crown of world’s tallest building for a mere 11 months until the erection of the Empire State Building in 1931. It is best known for its beautiful art deco design, making it one of the most lauded building in Manhattan. It still holds the title of the world’s tallest brick building, though it does have an internal skeleton of steel.
The Trump Building, formerly the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building
The Chrysler Building may have had a short stint as the world’s tallest building, but the now-named Trump Building held the honor for less than two months in 1930. It is 70 stories tall and was completed in only 11 months. 1930 was a year when the race was on to build the tallest skyscraper in the world, so as a new one was completed, another would soon follow.
Woolworth Building
The Woolworth Building is one of the oldest skyscrapers built in the United States. It was completed in 1913 and held the title of world’s tallest until 1930. At only 57 stories tall, it still has managed to remain on the list of the top 50 tallest buildings in the United States. It also was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Bank of America Tower
Completed in 2008, the Bank of America Tower is New York’s fourth tallest building behind the Empire State Building. It is noted for its eco-friendly design which includes the ability to capture rainwater for reuse. It is the first skyscraper to earn the Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its green energy features.
New York has long been a place where each new skyscraper seems to outdo the next. Each one possesses its own unique story and design. These icons, most of them part of the New York City skyline, are an American symbol of ingenuity and national pride.
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