Fifth Avenue, Empire State Building

Fifth Avenue, looking north from East 26th Street, and Empire State Building, Midtown Manhattan. Photo dated Thursday, March 17, 1955, noon. Photographer Max Henry Hubacher (1900-1989). Source: Collection of photographs of the New York Public Library.

The Empire State Building was constructed from March, 1930, to May, 1931. It was the world's tallest building until 1970, with 102 floors and 381 meters high. Its antenna, with 68 meters, was added in 1950.

Madison Square Park is behind the photographer. The 20-story 230 Fifth Avenue building, built in 1914, is on the left, on the corner of West 27th St. The Marble Collegiate Church, at 29th Street, is partially seen.