Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Plans for the Empire State Building's Information Desk, Basement and Foundation.

Architectural diagram plans for the construction of the Empire State Building. 8 items, all pencil on paper or tracing vellum, various sizes ranging from 8x13 inches to 36x48 inches. Included are 5 plot plans showing the building's outline and the surrounding streets and properties, 5 section plans of existing vaults and the machine room, 2 sub-basement plans, and the details of the pit for the refrigeration unit. Condition varies, but is generally very good; most of the plans have minor folds or tears in the margins. The freight elevator plan has some tape repairs on the reverse, but is not obtrusive. A plan showing a map of 34th and 33rd Streets has the most damage, with tears in the margin, some pieces missing, and some significant wrinkling; probably the least important plan in this collection. Eight of the plans will be shipped rolled. The 102 story landmark Empire State Building was completed in 1931 on the former site of the original Waldof-Astoria Hotel. The cost of construction was about $41 million (estimates suggest that today's cost would be close to $600 million), and was completed in less than a year and a half. The building was designed by William Lamb, of Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, whose plans are included in this collection. Considered as the "Eight Wonder of the World", when it opened, the building has had its share of notoriety, both good and bad. Suicides, a shooting on the observation deck, and even a plane crashing into it in 1945, have been part of the dark side of the building's history. However, this iconic art deco building is as popular as ever, and probably one of the busiest tourist attractions in New York City. One of the most significant parts of this architectural collection is the plan for the rather famous information desk. Other parts include plans for the sub-basement, the machine room, pit for the freight elevators and refrigeration unit, and several plans illustrating the building's outline on the surrounding streets. A unique collection of New York City history. History1900s about website.