Empire State Building’s Heights Above Sea Level: A Detailed Guide
The Empire State Building, a remarkable icon of New York City, stands tall at 1250 feet (381 meters) to its official height or 1454 feet (443 meters) when including its iconic antenna. Understanding its precise heights, particularly the 102nd floor observation deck, is crucial for tourists and enthusiasts alike.
The Official Height of the Empire State Building
Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building consists of 102 or 103 floors, depending on the source. The building is officially registered at 1250 feet (381 meters) from the base to the main structure. When the 204-foot (62-meter) antenna is included, the total height rises to an impressive 1454 feet (443 meters).
Observation Decks at Various Levels
Visitors to the Empire State Building can enjoy panoramic views from several observation decks. Let’s delve into the heights of these decks above sea level and street level:
Top of the 102nd Floor Indoor Observation Deck: The 102nd floor indoor observation deck stands at a height of 1212 feet (369 meters) above street level. This translates to a total height of 1261 feet (384 meters) above sea level, considering the base of the building is 49 feet (15 meters) above sea level. 86th Floor Indoor/Outdoor Observation Deck: Located on the 86th floor, the indoor/outdoor observation deck is situated at 1099 feet (334 meters) above the street, equating to a height of 1148 feet (349 meters) above sea level. 80th Floor Indoor Observation Deck: The 80th floor indoor observation deck, opened in 2019, reaches a height of 974 feet (297 meters) from street level, or 1023 feet (312 meters) above sea level. 86th Floor Observer’s Deck (Original): The original 86th floor indoor/outdoor observation deck, opened in 1931, stands at a height of 1050 feet (320 meters) above street level, which is 1109 feet (338 meters) above sea level.Base and Top Heights Above Sea Level
The base of the Empire State Building is 49 feet (15 meters) above sea level. Subtracting this from the total height, with or without the antenna, gives us the precise sea level height of the top of the building:
Without Antenna: 1250 feet (381 meters) 49 feet (15 meters) 1299 feet (396 meters) above sea level. With Antenna: 1454 feet (443 meters) 49 feet (15 meters) 1503 feet (458 meters) above sea level.Additional Information from Topo Maps and Surrounding Landscapes
According to topo maps, the Fifth Avenue side of the building is 50 feet (15 meters) above sea level. This detail is important because it confirms that the height measurements are taken relative to the surrounding sea level. Manhattan Island is largely surrounded by water, and while the terrain does rise as you move north, the elevation remains relatively stable until you reach around 110th Street.
For visitors planning to see the Empire State Building, these precise heights offer a comprehensive understanding of the building's structure and its breathtaking views from various observation decks. This information is crucial for anyone who wishes to appreciate the true grandeur of the world's famous skyscraper.