The Empire State Building Turns 75 Empire State Building, the famous building in New York City is 75 years old. The ground was broken on Jan. 22nd, 1930. Workers dug a hole about 17 meters deep for the foundation. In March, work began on the steel structure. It grew taller and taller. By November, well ahead of plans, the stonework on the outside of the building was finished. On May 1st, 1931, President Herbert Hoover pressed a button in Washington, D.C. On went the lights of, at that time, the world's tallest building. The Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan was open for business. The Empire State Building is just over 443 meters tall. That includes the 62-meter-tall lightening rod(避雷针)on top. There are 103 floors. And if you want to reach them all on foot, just know there are more than 1860 stairs. Runners compete in a yearly race to the top. If even the thought of that makes you tired, then you might want to ride an elevator instead. The building has 73 of them. The Empire, State Building sits on more than 7,000 square meters of land. The building has 5 entrances and 6,500 windows. And, last but not least, it has 250 workers who take care of the building. Empire State Building Towers over New York City The Empire State Building holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. For one thing, it was the tallest building in the world for more than 40 years. But the Empire State Building is also a big player in the cultural history of New York City. One reason is its light shows. The first took place in 1932. A searchlight was lit on top of the building to honor the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as president. New York is known as the Empire State, and Roosevelt was its governor. In 1956, four large searchlights were added to the building. They were called Freedom Lights. They were meant as a way to send a message of welcome and hope to immigrants. The Freedom Lights were also meant to signal the hopes of Americans for peace. People at that time worried about the threat from the Soviet Union. More lights were added in 1964. But a big surprise came in 1976. The Empire State Building shined in red, white and blue. The colors of the flag celebrated the 200th anniversary of American independence. Ever since then, the owners of the Empire State Building have observed holidays and special events with color. For example, on February 14th, the building glows red for Valentine's Day, the day for love. On Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th, the Empire State Building turns green to honor the patron saint(守护神)of Ireland. And on April 22nd, it shines a combination of green and blue to mark Earth Day. There are also special colors to mark the independence days of several countries and to honor campaigns against diseases. There are even light shows to celebrate the birthdays of cartoon characters like Popeye and Betty Boop. Sometimes the building goes dark as a remembrance, as it did in 2004 after the death of former President Ronald Reagan. Photograph and Film Star Even if you have never visited New York, there is a good chance you have seen the Empire State Building. It has been photographed countless times. It has even played parts in movies. In 1933 the Empire State Building was one of the stars of 'King Kong.' A huge ape climbs to the top, fighting off airplanes and holding in his hand a screaming woman, played by Fay Wray. In 1957 the Empire State Building appeared in the love story 'An Affair to Remember.' Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr play a man and a woman who meet and fall in love on a ship. They are looking at the New York City skyline from the ship when they plan a future meeting. More recently, in 'Sleepl