Hospitality & Entertainment Facilities

Empire State Building, New York

RETROFIT TEAM

OWNER: Empire State Realty Trust
ARCHITECT: Corgan Associates Architects
GLAZING CONTRACTOR: Infinite Glass and Metal Inc.

MATERIALS

The Empire State Building hosts more than 4 million visitors from around the globe annually. As part of the $165 million total redevelopment of the Observatory, the opportunity to transform the attraction’s famed 102nd floor posed a great opportunity and unique challenge.

A critical part of the experience is the journey to the top, which now is traveled in a new, custom-made glass elevator. Visitors arrive on the 102nd floor in a glass shaft that immediately greets them with jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of the dramatic city skyline before the elevator even opens its doors. Technical Glass Products’ Fireframes Curtainwall Series fire-rated frames and Pilkington Pyrostop fire-rated glass form an interior elevator surround that preserves the city’s spectacular views while providing critical fire resistance. The UL-classified fire-rated glass and framing system on the 102nd floor will block the transfer of flames, smoke, and radiant and conductive heat for up to two hours safeguarding the Observatory floor’s critical area of egress.

“Thanks to its new floor-to-ceiling fire-rated glass enclosure and state-of-the-art elevator, the 102nd floor Observatory provides awe-inspiring cityscape views,” says Anthony E. Malkin, chair- man, president and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. “Along with providing fire resistance, the interior curtainwalls help maintain purity of view, ideal for tourists looking for an unrivaled view from 1,250 feet above New York City.”

The frames and corners were provided by TGP and then clad in stainless steel by Infinite Glass and Metal, the metal/glass contractor, creating a system that blends seamlessly with the Observatory’s interior aesthetic.

CUSTOM GLASS ELEVATOR: Otis Elevator Co. with Fireframes Curtainwall Series and Pilkington Pyrostop from Technical Glass Products

PHOTO: Technical Glass Products