The Empire State Building has been undergoing a restoration project since June 2019 to return the iconic landmark to its original silhouette. Now in its final stages, photos reveal the restoration of the 1930s Art Deco luster on the Midtown edifice. Empire State Realty Trust, along with project managers JLL, master riggers from ColeNYC, and CANY Architecture and Engineering have joined forces to return the structure to its original architectural design.
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
In 1931, when the Empire State Building was completed, the distinctive spire stood decorated with Art Deco sculptural aluminum wings and multi-story illuminated glazed lanterns. At that time, the Mooring Mast element of the high rise, which includes the spire, was responsible for ESB’s status as the world’s tallest structure. As a result, it became a prime location for broadcasting equipment, acting as a television and radio transmitter tower.
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
After major communications equipment was relocated to the newly extended upper spire of the structure, the Empire State Realty Trust removed obsolete antennas and matting located between floors 88 and 103 of the mooring mast. The latest stage of renovations included restoring the condition and historic appearance of this prominent feature.
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Building. Courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust
Restoration details included removing the antenna and equipment to further streamline the exterior. Then the fins on the mooring mast were power washed and coated in silver waterproof paint. Waterproofing was also done on the dome, from the underside of the celebrity balcony on the 103rd floor to the base of the antenna spire.
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Huh, I did not even notice that this was happening. Regardless, this looks great. The ESB’s spire has really been a mess for the past few decades and this restoration has really made it look a whole lot better.
Agreed. Good stuff.
She is beautiful! A tribute to New York City and the World! Such courageous work by the master riggers!
To reinforce previous comments by others: Central Park Tower needed its crowning spire.
Simply wonderful.
Now the most wonderful Chrysler Building spire needs a good cleaning.
How did I not know this was happening?! It looks so much better without those old outdated antennas, nice amd streamlined now. Gorgeous!
BRAVO!?
Glad to see all the “visual clutter” is being removed, and the spire is being restored. Looking forward to next visit,
to see the changes.
I had never heard of the ‘Celebrity Balcony’ before.
Wonderful. I was nine years old in 1957 when my parents took my sister and I up to the 86th floor observatory. ortune would have it that, as a young lawyer in 1976, I was an associate in a law firm on the 47th floor and had my own office on the west facing side; I would look out at the construction of the first Giant’s stadium in the Meadowlands. I was fine as long as the bottom sash of my window was down. However, when the window washers came in, opened the window, hooked on and went outside, I could barely withstand watching them.
Great pictures! The men in the second to last picture look like lady bugs. Great Job!
This is a win-win for this masterpiece! How very wonderful!
Often imitated, never surpassed.
This land mark is unmatched in the world know matter how many skyscrapers are built the Empire State Building stands alone. This is the greatest skyscraper in the world.
Wow, just WOW! Next: The Chrysler’s mutilated spire!
so glad to see those ghastly antennas go! the shiny sleek look really is what this tower should look like and the image it deserves!