“Now Open for Occupancy” ad in the April 1931 issue of “Fortune” magazine. Empire State Building art by Nat Lowell
“Empire State opens its portals to the world of commerce May 1st, 1931 – completing the finest office building modern craftsmanship can create. Visit this most accessible building, at the business heart of New York City, close to every transportation system. Inspect large and small office space, 500 square feet to entire floors . . . planned to satisfy the demands of a selected tenancy.” [Ad copy]
The Empire State Building, when it opened on May 1, 1931, had a total floor area of 2,248,355 square feet. However, due to the economic downturn of the Great Depression, much of its office space remained vacant for years, earning it the nickname “Empty State Building”. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the building finally reached full occupancy.
The grand opening was marked by President Herbert Hoover symbolically turning on the building’s lights from Washington, D.C., though the actual switch was flipped in New York. The event was a major milestone, showcasing the building’s Art Deco design and engineering marvel.
The building that initially struggled to attract tenants later became one of the most prestigious office locations in the world.
[Sources: Wikipedia, esbnyc.com, and History.com]
[Note: Superstitions surrounding the number 13 have influenced architecture for decades, with many hotels and office buildings omitting the floor entirely. However, the Empire State Building, built in 1931, did not adopt this practice, standing as a testament to practicality over superstition.]
“Now Open for Occupancy” ad in the April 1931 issue of “Fortune” magazine. Empire State Building art by Nat Lowell
“Empire State opens its portals to the world of commerce May 1st, 1931 – completing the finest office building modern craftsmanship can create. Visit this most accessible building, at the business heart of New York City, close to every transportation system. Inspect large and small office space, 500 square feet to entire floors . . . planned to satisfy the demands of a selected tenancy.” [Ad copy]
The Empire State Building, when it opened on May 1, 1931, had a total floor area of 2,248,355 square feet. However, due to the economic downturn of the Great Depression, much of its office space remained vacant for years, earning it the nickname “Empty State Building”. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the building finally reached full occupancy.
The grand opening was marked by President Herbert Hoover symbolically turning on the building’s lights from Washington, D.C., though the actual switch was flipped in New York. The event was a major milestone, showcasing the building’s Art Deco design and engineering marvel.
The building that initially struggled to attract tenants later became one of the most prestigious office locations in the world.
[Sources: Wikipedia, esbnyc.com, and History.com]
[Note: Superstitions surrounding the number 13 have influenced architecture for decades, with many hotels and office buildings omitting the floor entirely. However, the Empire State Building, built in 1931, did not adopt this practice, standing as a testament to practicality over superstition.]