NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – New York City is celebrating a major birthday Saturday: the Empire State Building turns 90 years old.
Mayor Bill de Blasio gave remarks and took part in a lighting ceremony at the landmark Art Deco building Saturday morning to mark the occasion.
The mayor took a selfie from the observatory during the event.
On Saturday night, the beloved skyscraper will “sparkle in white with a special ‘90’ illuminated in the mast throughout the night,” officials said.
Construction on the building began on March 17, 1930. It was completed in a record-breaking one year and 45 days.
The building officially opened on May 1, 1931, when President Herbert Hoover pushed a button in Washington and lit it up for the first time.
It was the tallest building in the world when it opened and held that title until 1970.
Happy Birthday, ESB!
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram