Around Swedish America in 
Day 215 - Empire State Building
Today the Empire State Building ranks as the 11th tallest building in the world, but for forty years after it was completed in 1931 it was the world’s tallest building. When the World Trade Center’s North Tower was completed in 1972 it took a secondary position, but after the World Trade Center destruction in 2001, the Empire State Building once again became the tallest building in New York City and New York State. It has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. The 102-story Art Deco skyscraper at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street is now undergoing a $120 million renovation in an effort to transform the building into a more energy efficient and eco-friendly structure.
The New York skyline would not be what it is if it hadn’t been for David Lindquist. Working for the Otis elevator company, the Swedish-trained engineer developed the gearless-traction elevator that became the standard in all high-rises. Lindquist later introduced an automatic system of self-levelling and the automatic signal control system that made buildings like the Empire State Building possible. Called the “father of the New York skyline”, Lindquist remained modest about his 64 revolutionary patents.