More than half a billion dollars are budgeted for the reinvention and architectural restoration of the Empire State Building. By creating premier office space and common areas, the comprehensive project will yield results in very short order.

Photograph of existing 34th Street (north)
lobby, looking east towards Fifth Avenue.

There are two objectives in this effort. First is to restore or recreate a number of historical features and finishes and distinctive architectural details that have been obscured by alterations over time. Second is to provide the working framework of an efficient modern office building.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to be part of the planning to restore the character and drama that the original architects intended the lobby to have," comments Richard Metsky, partner at Beyer Blinder Belle, who is leading its effort.

The plans for the lobby will be submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for approval. Of particular significance is the mission statement to provide an efficient and full-featured office tenant and visitor environment distinct from areas frequented by tourists who visit the world-famous observatory.

The lobby's historic ceiling mural, a unique Art Deco feature fully covered by a hung ceiling with fluorescent lighting installed during the 1960's, will be recreated from the original design and materials. The original ceiling depicts a stylized celestial sky, rendered in exquisite gold and silver leaf. Working with art conservation consultant EverGreene Painting Studios and lighting designers Light Projects, Beyer Blinder Belle has already recreated a portion of the damaged original mural.

Artist's rendering of 34th Street (north)
lobby restored, including re-creation of
historic ceiling mural.

Also planned is the replacement of the hidden original incandescent up-light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient fixtures, and supplemented with carefully-located downlights that would meet contemporary light requirements at the pedestrian level, creating a historically accurate theatrical effect above and bringing out the rich visual texture of the lobby's marble walls.

Furthermore, Beyer Blinder Belle will address important planning and design issues throughout the lobby's street entrances, corridors, retail spaces, and elevator waiting areas, including the installation of a fully-equipped tenant concierge desk and improved pedestrian circulation. Security will be maintained while signage is improved and use of currently under-utilized areas optimized.

The revolutionary plans for the building have not gone unnoticed, as Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post recently reported. He interviewed Mitchell Konsker of Cushman & Wakefield, who commented that the Empire State Building is "now in the forefront of everyone's radar when looking in that area." The article also described many aspects of the capital improvements program, such as the recent improvements to the tower's electrical system and the consolidation of small suites to lease to larger, better-credit tenants, an effort now well underway.

According to Mitchell Rudin, president of the Tri-State region of CB Richard Ellis, the building's new leasing agent, "We are confident that our work, the commitment and vision of ownership, and the artistic and technological advances being performed throughout the building will propel the Empire State Building into one of the 21st century's most spectacular office spaces."

In short, ownership is committed to bringing the Empire State Building to a level of success as a pre-war trophy office building never before achieved.