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Do you consider New York skyscrapers to be incredible urban architecture?  There are many who believe skyscrapers to be some of the greatest urban achievements.  Only a century ago, the goal of designers was to build some of the tallest buildings.  However, modern New York towers focus not merely in height but on design, movement and structure.

New York skyscrapers are very impressive.  From the East River to the Hudson, you’ll find many opportunities to enjoy the Manhattan skyline.

There are many famous New York buildings but the towering skyscrapers are often the most famous.  New York skyscrapers define the city.  The history of New York skyscrapers began with cathedrals, the oldest skyscrapers of them all.

Trinity Church was 280ft tall, and was completed in 1846, a time before the construction craze and the competition to be the tallest of them all.  Since then, there have been many New York buildings which have increased the number of New York skyscrapers, adding their silhouettes to the New York skyline.  New York is now a famous city of skyscrapers.

Let’s have a look at some of the most iconic New York skyscrapers

The Empire State Building

The-Empire-State-Building The most impressive New York skyscrapers

The Empire State Building was built during the time of the Great Depression and completed in 1931.  It was the tallest New York building of this time and remained that way for over 40 years.  At the time of completion, it was difficult to rent out, and for a while became known as the ‘empty state building’.  The building was saved because of its beautiful and panoramic views over New York, which had visitors flocking to buy a ticket.

It is still one of the most well known New York buildings and visitors flock to the observation deck to take in the views.  This New York building is also known for its neon lights, which change according to the occasion, and which light up the sky each night.

One World Trade Center

one-world-trade-center1 The most impressive New York skyscrapers

One World Trade Center is the leading building in the new World Trade Center complex.  The original Twin Towers were destroyed during a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.  This new building stands out against other New York skyscrapers as a symbol of strength and resilience.  It has a glass plated aesthetic and interior lights which have a chevron pattern.  The building attracts millions of visitors each day.  At night, the chevron pattern can be viewed against the horizon.

The building is 1,776 for tall, making it the tallest of New York’s skyscrapers.  It is a popular tourist destination, not simply because of its height, but also because it stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack. Arising from the ashes it is a symbol of grace.

The Chrysler building

The-Chrysler-building The most impressive New York skyscrapers

The Chrysler building is an art deco style building built during the 1930s.  At the time, not everyone appreciated the exquisite architecture and some even saw it as unoriginal.  However, it. It stands as one of New York’s iconic buildings.

The Chrysler Building was once the tallest building in New York, only to be outdone by the Empire State Building less than a year later.  It had an observation deck which was opened to the public until 1945, when it became closed to visitors.

40 Wall Street and the Chrysler building were once in competition to become the tallest of New York’s skyscrapers, in what was named ‘the race to the sky’.  Chrysler added a steel spire to his building, besting 40 Wall Street in the final moments of construction.

Woolworth building

wool The most impressive New York skyscrapers

Once the highest building in New York, and the world, the Woolworth building stands at 241m.  The Woolworths building is on Broadway in Manhattan and has frequently been shown in the movies.  Between 1913, when it was constructed, to 1930, the Woolworths building was not only the highest building in NYC, but in the world.

This New York building was designed by Cass Gilbert, an esteemed architect.  It is Gothic in style and has 34 elevators and 57 floors. It is currently the 20th tallest of the New York skyscrapers and the 53rd tallest building in the world.

The Woolworths building was created in the early 20th century, when skyscrapers aimed to touch the sky.  At that time, the building was named the “Cathedral of Commerce.”

Like the Empire State Building, the Woolworths building has an observation deck which remained open right until 1941.  It’s very high speed elevators were outstanding for the times.

40 Wall Street

40-Wall-Street The most impressive New York skyscrapers

40 Wall Street is also known as the Trump building.  It stands at 283m, and when constructed, it was competing to be the tallest of the New York skyscrapers.  The building was completed in 1931 and has 71 floors. It was originally known as the Bank of Manhattan building.  At the moment, it is the 25th tallest building in New York and the 123rd tallest in the world  For just a few days, on construction, it was the tallest building in New York.

Before 40 Wall Street was constructed, the Woolworth Building had been the tallest of the New York skyscrapers.  40 Wall Street and the Chrysler building competed for this role, with 40 Wall Street taking the lead for a few days before the spier placed on the roof of the Chrysler Building added enough height to take the lead, making it the tallest building in NYC.

Gehry New York

gehry The most impressive New York skyscrapers

The Gehry building was constructed in 2011, and at that time, this New York building was the tallest residential block in the Western Hemisphere.  Although this is tower has been built in the financial district, it contains only grade level retail, a school and residential units.  This is very rare for New York skyscrapers in the financial district.

The building is constructed out of glass and steel, and has 76 levels.  As it is residential, this New York City skyscraper is not open to the public.  The building offers up 900 units, and each is. Rented out.  The building is the 12th tallest of the New York skyscrapers and is the 31st tallest building in the USA.  It is the 170th tallest building in the world.

The Flatiron building

The-Flatiron-building The most impressive New York skyscrapers

The Flatiron Building is one of the most iconic New York skyscrapers.  The building was originally called the Fuller Building, as it was built by, and owned by, George A Fuller.  At the time the building was completed, it was the tallest of the Manhattan skyscrapers.  It was also the first of the New York skyscrapers to be constructed using a steel frame.

The Flatiron Building remains a commercial hub, although there are plans to convert it into a luxurious hotel.  The building has stood the test of time, although when it was built, many locals believed it would be blown down by a gust of wind.

30 Rock – Rockefeller plaza

30-Rockockefeller-plaza The most impressive New York skyscrapers

30 Rock is one of the best known Manhattan skyscrapers.  It forms part of the Rockefeller Center and was built by the famous American billionaire family by the same name.  Rockefeller Plaza (30 Rock) has 19 buildings which are spaces over 4 city blocks.

Number 30 Rock is the tallest building and has 70 stories.  It offers incredible views and its top deck, ‘top of the Rock’ is on the 70th floor.  From here, you’ll get 360 degree views of Manhattan.

The Rockefeller Plaza was built in the 1930s and reflects the Art Deco style of that time.  It has beautiful murals and gorgeous decoration.  You’ll be able to see a beautiful statue of Prometheus at the entrance of the building.

Met Life tower

Met-Life-tower The most impressive New York skyscrapers

The Met Tower was once the tallest New York building. Met Tower is located on Madison Avenue in Manhattan and was built in 1909. For four years, it was known as the tallest building in the world.

Met Tower is close to the Flatiron building, and these two New York skyscrapers are both iconic.  The Met Building has been declared a historic landmark.

The gorgeous centerpiece of the beautiful Met Building is a large clock, placed in the summit.  This clock was the largest in the world, with not even the world famous Big Ben matching it in size.  This New York tower has its roots in Italy as it was inspired by the Campanile tower in Venice.

New York life insurance building

New-York-life-insurance-building The most impressive New York skyscrapers

This beautiful New York building is 40 stories high and occupies a full block.  Designed by Cass Gilbert, it is recognized for its guilted roof, which is made up of 25,000 gold leaf tiles.

The building is one of the New York skyscrapers which has been declared a National Historic Landmark.  You can find out more about the history of this beautiful building at the visitor center, which can be found in the main lobby

432 Park Avenue

432-Park-Avenue The most impressive New York skyscrapers

At 425m high, 432 Park Avenue must be one of the most impressive New York buildings.  It overlooks Central Park and is so luxurious that its penthouse apartments go for prices which would stun even millionaires.

Although it’s high prices mean full occupancy may be hard to achieve, its architecture has caused a stir around the world.  Completed in 2015, this New York skyscraper is currently the tallest residential building in the world.

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