History of NYC - 1930 to 1935
The 30s would mark a far less jubilant period as the City would come to grips with the grim reality of the Great Depression. An economy at record lows and unemployment at all time highs would take place in the ironic shadow of the city’s growing skyline, which now includes The Chrysler Building and the RCA Building.
1931: Empire State Icarus
Stunning photograph of a daredevil construction worker at the Empire State Building, soaring above Manhattan like Icarus himself.
1931: Crane Hook and Skyline Looking South from Empire State Building
Aerial photograph taken from inside the growing structure of the Empire State Building. An epic view of downtown Manhattan is framed by the silhouette of a massive crane hook and steel beam.
1931: Construction of the Empire State Building
Photograph of two construction workers, perched atop the steel framework of the Empire State Building.
1931: View of Empire State Construction from 34th Street
The first twenty floors of the Empire State Building are being constructed. There is no visible facade yet, only the steel beam structure and scaffolding of construction workers.
1931: Facade Construction Begins on Empire State Building
The Empire State Building's ground floors are clad in Indiana limestone panels, sourced from the Empire Mill in Sanders, Indiana, which give the building its signature blonde color.
1931: Empire State Building Almost Complete
Bird's eye view of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building, about 75% complete with half of its steel structure visible.
1931: Worker at the Edge of Empire State Platform
Aerial photograph of a lone construction worker working on the steel structure of the Empire State Building.
1931: Empire State Worker Hanging on to Two Steel Beams
A work clings to the steel framing of the future Empire State Building with a bird's eye view of Midtown Manhattan, many stories below him.
1930: Chrysler Building and Skyscrapers
Aerial photograph of Midtown Manhattan with the Chrysler Building as the focal point.
1930: The Chrysler Building
Photograph of the Chrysler Building, designed by architect William Van Alen and completed on May 27, 1930.
1930: The Chrysler Building
Full length photograph of The Chrysler Building at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
1931: Midtown Manhattan Skyline and the East River
A view of Manhattan's midtown skyline from Queens. Visible in this photograph are both the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.
1931: A View of Madison Avenue
Photograph looking up Madison Avenue, north of 49th Street, full of cars and pedestrians with a political banner for the New York Young Democratic Club hanging overhead.
1931: View of Downtown Manhattan
Photograph of the East River and Manhattan's famous downtown skyline taken from Brooklyn.
1931: Midtown Manhattan Skyline
A bird-s eye perspective of Midtown Manhattan, looking northeast towards The Chrysler Building.