Empire State Building Feature Story

This is the story I told you guys I was writing yesterday. Enjoy and comment!

When you first arrive to the outskirts of the New York City area, whether it’s from the Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge, or the Brooklyn Bridge, the domineering figure that graces the New York skyline is the Empire State Building. After the World Trade Center Twin Towers collapsed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Empire State building became the tallest building in New York City and New York State, a title which it held for 40 years until the North Tower of the World Trade Center was built in 1972.

Located on 34th street and 5th avenue, the Empire State Building raises 102 stories in the air hosting over 850 different tenants. Inhabitants of the building range from shops and merchants, small businesses, national food chains, and even a college campus.

Other than the world famous observatory deck that attracts millions of visitors each year, there are many other special locations in the building. The New York Skyride is a motion simulator gives a virtual aerial tour of New York and its expansive skyline. There are over 35 radio/television stations that broadcast from the top of the building. The building has been featured in many movies, most notably two versions of the movie “King Kong”. It was the scene of the climatic final scene of “Sleepless in Seattle”, where the main characters meet in the observatory deck.

But more intrinsically, the building is a myriad of eclectic tastes, sounds, and dialogues. From the security workers at the front, to the maintenance guy who pushes carts to and from elevators, the building is way deeper than an edifice for commerce and business. It is also to some a symbol of the power and the conglomerate aura of New York City, the same aura that exudes from the walls of the building. Each person who looks out of the 6,500 windows has a story that is uniquely and unequivocally their own. One can walk through the halls and hear many different accents, languages, and thoughts spoken by the many different people that come and go through those revolving doors. It is symbolic how the revolving doors usher out the old occupants and ushers in the new tenants, letting in new possibilities and opportunities with every swivel.
There is a sense of respect and history that is utterly captivating. There rarely are ever any employees who don’t greet with a good morning or a smile. There is a compelling feeling of family when co-workers enter an elevator together.

There also are dark sides to the building such as suicide attempts, the latest happening on Friday April 13, 2007 by a disgruntled lawyer.

While there is no perfect place, the Empire State Building gives off an ambience of satisfied employees who take pride in their job. The doormen, clad in red suits and caps, help direct wayward visitors to the destination of their desire.
Withal, the Empire State Building is a special place, that embodies the heart and soul of New York City.