Modern Marvels:

Modern Marvels: Empire State Building

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The Empire State building rose to become the world's tallest man-made structure at a time when dreams were in short supply. Planned during the 1920s, construction was almost grounded by the Depression until the "Cathedral of Dreams" came to symbolize the indomitable American spirit.
"Two stories a day" became the mission. Up went the rivets, the steel and the fearless men. In just two years the miracle of engineering was finished, justifying a nation's belief in itself. Here is the colorful story of this beloved building, including the innovations it inspired, and its enduring popularity today. From the first plans to the final rivet, explore the incredible story of the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. Add a recap »

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Writers:: Andy Thomas

Guest Star:: Ed Koch (Guest)

The Empire State Building is one of the greatest lightning rods ever built. Allegedly, when conditions are right and the 86th floor is surrounded by static electricity, if you kiss someone, fire will fly from your lips. edit »
There are 6500 windows in the Empire State Building. All get cleaned twice a month. Window washers qualify for "combat pay." edit »
There was a price to pay for rushing construction on the Empire State Building: fourteen men died. The Chrysler Building, built more slowly, lost only one worker. edit »
The architect of the Empire State Building could not attend the dedication of the building. Instead, he sent a telegram from his ship en route to England. "One day out and I can still see the building." edit »
The Steel used in construction of the Empire State building came from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was still hot when they unloaded it from the trains in New York City. edit »

Brendan Gill
Author & Preservationist

Irwin Cantor
Structural Engineer

Joe Carbonelli
Construction Worker

Lydia Ruth
Director of Public Relations

Robert Sobel
Architect

Jack Brod
Tenant since 1931

Laura Fries
Director of Observatories

Robert Tinker
General Manager 1947-1985
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Executive Producer: Bob Jaffe
Writer: Andy Thomas
Producer: Andy Thomas
Senior Producer: Jeff Scheftel
Co-Writer: Jeff Scheftel
Coordinating Producer: Tim Busa
Producer: Bruce Nash
Creator: Bruce Nash
Editor: Andy Thomas
Architectural Consultant: Linda M. Eklund
Camera: Peter Goodman
Online Editor: Brian Pete
Archival Footage Consultant: Ted Troll
Re-Recording Mixer: Wayne Cook
Sound: Matthew Cahill
Music: Scott Page-Pagter
Music: John Valentino
Show Accountant: Lynn Marchionno
Production Assistant: Victoria Waters
Production Assistant: Adam Goldstein
Production Assistant: Denise Agard
Production Assistant: Nathan Wilson
Graphics: Ron Clark Art F/X
Post Production: Premore, Inc
Post Production: Midtown Post Valage

Special Thanks:

Helmsley - Spear, Inc
Emery Roth & Sons
The Cantor Seinuk Group P.C.
Howard J. Rubenstein Assoc., Inc
Association For A Better NY
American Institute of Architects
Port Authority of NY & NJ
Beth Rubenstein
Sandra Parsons
Rick Decroix
Virginia Dzurinko
Michael Jordan-Reilly
Dennis Barrow
Martin Loft
Ralph Jacobs
Ed Koch Parter In The Law Firm Bryan Cave, LLP

Executive In Charge: Mel A. Bishop

Produced by: Actuality Productions, Inc
1994 edit »
On August 15-19, 2005, The History Channel had a New York City week, where they had shows about New York. This was one of them. Ed Koch hosted three of them (Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, and New York Bridges). David Dinkins hosted the other two (Statue of Liberty and The NYC Subway). edit »
The original air date for this episode is up in the air. I found a site which said it was from 1994. edit »

Narrator: Once the tallest building in the world. A symbol of American power to the world. A source of inspiration for a weary nation and a magnet for the imagination. The story of the Empire State Building is the flamboyant story of New York itself, now on Modern Marvels. edit »