Imposing as hell, but its no great beauty of a building. I guess if you need something for a hundred foot tall ape to do calisthenics on, its ok.

An all-time classic, the Empire State Building has the honour of being the world's most famous skyscraper. I have never seen it in the flesh, but I wouldn't mind to. :)

As one of the official seven modern wonders of the world, the Empire State Building deserves consideration for a five star rating, but I cannot bring myself to rate it more than four (perhaps due to my being a non-New Yorker). Nevertheless, the period in which the structure was constructed is material, and when one considers that the Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and erected in 14 months, this accomplishment must be deemed outstanding. The building is 1472 feet to the top of the antennae and cost around $41 million (including the land). Moreover, the Empire State Building is the best-known skyscraper in the world, and was by far the tallest building in the world for more than 40 years. The building was so well engineered that is was easily repaired after a bomber crashed into it in 1945.

Empire State is not the most beautiful building in New York, but yet it is an incredible feat for engineering, especially for the early-1930's when the building was built. I believe it is 110 stories high, including the television tower on top. Right now it's the tallest building in New York; if you want a comprehensive view of the city, that's the place to go. The lobby in the lst level has retained some it's original Deco features. But overall the building is not as polished architechurally as other buildings in NY.