GE Building
New York, USA

HEIGHT: 259m/850 feet
FLOORS: 69 floors
COMPLETION: 1933
ARCHITECT: designed by Reinhard & Hofmeister, Hood, Godley & Fouilhoux, Corbett, Harrison & MacMurray

also known as The RCA Building, 30 Rockefeller Center

After sixteen months of work, this building became at 259 m the tallest in Rockefeller Center. The owner company moved into this simplified slab from its decor-topped Lexington Avenue tower and housed its National Broadcast Company and operations here.

Clad in white Indiana limestone, the 70-storey building's jagged form follows the zoning regulations imposed on high-rise buildings. Each setback also corresponds to a reduction in the amount of elevators, and thus in the total size of elevator shafts.

The construction of this building was made possible, from the legal point-of-view, by the combination of all of the land in Rockefeller Center into one zoning lot, so that there was enough "air" space around the building.

The "economy" of the 195,200 m² building impressed even the hardened businessmen who rented the office space to various tenants: no rentable area was off the maximum (profitable) distance from the windows; it was also Hood's aim to provide every workroom with direct natural lightning. The building housed at the time of its completion the largest floor area of any commercial building hitherto.

The 65th floor houses the stylish Rainbow Room restaurant with generous views over Midtown. For decades the terraced open-air observatory was open to the public, until the expansion of the restaurant and its adjoining Rainbow Grill bar lounge necessitated the closing of the rooftop facility.

The Art Deco decoration of the building follows the heroic and mythical themes, combined with praise of modernity and visualized in form of classical figures at work or gods and goddesses of specific virtues. The Rockefellers, in fact, employed the mind of consultant philosopher Hartley Burr Alexander who defined the ideological theme for the Center. In the niché above the entrance is Lee Lawrie's relief Genius. The lobby artwork was originally to be commissioned from such heavyweights as Matisse and Picasso, but eventually José Maria Sert made the murals American Progress and Time, whereas Diego Rivera's mural incorporating Lenin as "the leader of the worker's movement" was too much, leading to its removal...

At the foot of the building is the sunken plaza, originally planned as an entrance to the center's subway station. As the construction of the subway station was delayed, the plaza was lined with below-grade luxury shops. In 1936, to divert attention from the commercial failures of the retailers, the plaza was first turned into a public roller rink and subsequently into a more upper class wintertime ice skating rink and a summertime café. Paul Manship's gilded bronze sculpture Prometheus lies above the fountain pool of the plaza. Every Christmas an illuminated giant spruce is erected on Rockefeller Plaza above the statue -- the first one was a 1931 construction workers' tree, a more down-to-earth decorated one too.

The flat roof between the main tower and the wing facing Sixth Avenue (the GE Building West) (image) houses a roof-top garden.

The building changed hands in 1986, when General Electric incorporated RCA, along with its subsidiary NBC. Ten years later, when the Center was bought by a group led by Goldman Sachs and Jerry Speyer, the condominium interest of the building was sold to NBC for $440 million.

http://www.cameraobscura.com/albus/nyork.jpg

http://www.greatgridlock.net/NYC_Images/850.jpg

http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/rca/GE1.jpg

http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/rca/GE5.jpg

http://www.nyu.edu/classes/finearts/nyc/rock/image/30_rock.JPG

http://www.wirednewyork.com/skyscrapers/ge/ge_night.jpg

http://www.wirednewyork.com/landmarks/esb/images/esb_observe_ge.jpg

http://www.wirednewyork.com/skyscrapers/ge/ge_1250.jpg

completed in 1933? It;s a grandfather. 7/10

an art deco slab, how cool is that? this is a nearly perfect skyscraper and that fact that it is part of one of the most wonderfully urban complexes in the nation really goes a long way toward making me vote this one a:

9/10

Classic
9/10

9.5/10 - Shows the variety possible within the Art Deco style - it took me awhile to wrap my eyes around the startling shape that alternates between splinter and mountain - I think the best views show it from a corner angle - but now I can see how effective that contrast is. The splinter sides really soar, and the setbacks on the mountain sides keep them from seeming monotonous. Then are are those sculptures - and she sure does look impressive looming through the swirling fog in that one picture!
Art Deco rules! :okay:

'Nother NYC art deco classic.

Yet somehow I think if it were built today it would be pu-pued on as being a slab of concrete. It's really not that attractive, but it is still a classic.


7.5/10



Ah yes. I forgot to say this building looks much more attractive from the narrow side.

7/10. Doesn't really do much for me.

I like the pic were it shows how wide it is from one side, the other side seems to skinny. I like big buildings. What I don't like about it is its color and the overall desgne of it.

8.0/10

Another NYC classic art deco skyscraper! Similar to the Wells Fargo in Minneapolis. Without a doubt, a high rating.

10/10

I 've seen this building...what a classic regarding Rockerfeller Center...9/10

classic but no where near as good as others in NY

7.5

tays

impressive!
9/10

No comparison to the fabulous Chrysler Builing, but IMO better than the Empire State Building.

Full of vertical/horizontal setbacks.

A true skyscraper and a deco masterpeice with beautiful mythological reliefs.

8.5

It's massive! long, but narrow...

I like it's art deco style...8/10

9.5/10!! this is a great work of art. . . beats the hell out of some of the crap built recently

It's a nice building, but not quite one of the NY classics.

8/10

8/10

I love the variety: broad and slim at the same time. Very classic.

It's a classic.
I would have to give it 8/10

7/10

looks good from the side but sux from the front

9/10

Superb building, one of the great classics of NYC.

9.5/10

one of the best ive seen in NY.. 9

Ge....I dont like it that much. Its too wide overpowering. But its ok. I give it a 4.5.:D

9.8/10

Bold, robust, classic, romantic.

I really like the side view from this building,it looks even taller looking at it that way.Offcourse this is also a classic.
8.5/10

10/10

One of the definitive NYC skyscrapers... what a MASSIVE and HULKING masterpiece! Very intricate design... it's instantly recognizable...

Like a cliff...... a sympathetic building with its own character.

8/10

A true classic :cool:

Yeah, baby, yeah.

Always really liked this art deco slab. 9.

8.5 damn, this is fine! and i've rarely heard of it..

The focal point of Rockefeller Center, which is a true icon in the highrise business. Never before has an urban renewal program been so successful and well received by the public.

8.5/10

9/10...Forever art deco classic.

Just don't like it... :rant: Very massive but very dull looking..

6/10

This art deco masterpiece is another one for the ages. 9.5/10

I like the shape, but the color and the fact that it's... *drumroll* artdeco, really brings it's score down.

4.5

4

Err....:)

Originally posted by Naptown

Classic 9.5
very true!

I love this one, it looks awesome at night!! I went iceskating at it on the plaza at night, and it looked much taller than 259 meters!!
9/10!

9/10

9.5

NEW YORK NEW YORK!

Wow i am a sucker for art deco!!
But this building is another one of my favs in NY. Its like 2 buildings in one depending on which angle u look at it. As metioned it can be a slender spire like structure or a mamoth hulk!!!
It has that class and timeless appeal that most buildings just cant replicate.
9.5/10:guns1:

A Truly Masterpiece ! :) 10/10 ! :)

8.5/10
It's a great piece of architecture, the way the lift shafts move about the building giving it it's unusual shape. The colour is not great, though, and it's not anything like as inspiring or as classic as the Chrysler building. A good shot at a skyscraper though :)

8/10


not much my type

Classic
9/10

9/10

6.5/10
Nice shape but I hate the design & the colour.

The shiet. Old school. The center of Midtown. Definitely my favorite Art Deco in the city. 9.5/10

Great building that shows that a tall art deco building didn't need to end in a spire, or ornamental top. 8/10

7.5/10

Chrysler Building does not have rival :D 6,5/10

its slab appeal's really stunning. i feel it's this building that pulls the entire midtown together. but i don't really like its name-ge building. i rather call it rca building, this building practically screams 'rock' at u.

8.5

8/10

for this age?wow!
8/10

9/10

I'll give it a 9/10.

I love seeing shots of it on the NBC news. That's what gets me to watch that station.

8/10

Stunning size, nice shape (although the architect didnt have a say in it). Interior is too "functional", even for me, but the facade detailing is nice, if nothing special. I would like it to be a little thicker, would make it feel more massive, but again, that was not in the architects hands. Color is nothing special, nor are the windows. Still a great building.

Such a wide slab, but the setbacks are nice. 8/10

I like it. 8.

I gave the building a 9 and Rockefeller Center itself a 10. I don't think there is a better group of buildings in the world. But they need to be seen in person. I don't think the Center looks that good just in pictures. The total ambience is what gets me.

8.5/10
I love these "old school" skyscrapers, and this is one of my favourites. The setbacks are incredible and it really soars. I would probably include this in my Top 10 of New York.

a true beautiful old landmark! 9

Classy, I love its height and lines. 9/10

I give this building a 9/10 (nice)

7/10

Yes I love it!! 9/10

9.5

Classic

8/10 for me..

A huge concrete slab peppered with shots.

its a new york classic!!!

and its limestone actually. not concrete.

I LOVE the shots of this building before every Dateline episode...
9.5 Location is good, it's tall, oh and it's beautiful! Yet it's not Chrysler! :D

7/10

8.5/10

Like a rock hard slab, this building will stay around forever. I give it a 9/10. :okay:

5.5/10

9 because of old fashion style.

8/10 ... impressive !

Its to wide.

Nice slender building 8/10

10/10, it's has it all: height, a good design, a massive and at the same time a slender look.

I've always loved this building, ever since I saw it for the first time on TV...

10/10

another NYC classic, great building
8.5/10

not too good, 5

9.5 Another Art Deco masterpiece

Plus I love Rockefeller Center

Cool, especially at christmas.9/10

Huh... Too broad ? Too slim ? I don't know ^^
Ugly facade for sure. The decorations make it up a little bit.
4.5

Wow, the attention to detail really makes a difference! The shape is awkward at first but you really see the benefits in the street-level shots. A classic tower, perfect for the city. 9

8,5/10.

8/10

The building hasn't the usual Art Deco shape,but it's elegant on it's own way.

10/10 Looks great.

8.5/10 very classic!

Rockefeller Centre is just great, 9.5

8/10

8/10, because it's old.

Another plain box that's too skinny. I really don't like these. 4/10.

Another one art deco classic, but not my favourite ;) 8/10

8.5/10

7/10

8.5

95/100. Very attractive art deco skyscraper. An absolute classic.

8.
Impressive

I love the style and the mass it has.
One of my world's top buildings. 10/10

8/10

Wonderful. Simply wonderful. :)

Very fugly :D but good size! 6/10

Love this one. Its a classic. 9.5

8.5/10

6/10

nothing special and unique building for me

8/10

too old 9/10

10/10 1933? Woah, old but still looks neat and great!

7/10

Classy
9/10

So many comments on the NYC skyscrapers being "too old". That's what makes them the more beautiful. Its craftmanship that will never be seen again. To building something along the lines of ESB, Chrysler, or Rockefeller Center, would require loads of money. Remember, labor was cheap in the 30's.The opposite has happened, resulting in the use of glass and steal for the facades. You'll most likely never see another 1200ft building clad in limestone. This is what sets NYC's skyline apart from the rest of the world. You can walk down 6th avenue and transverse 80 years of architecture..try doing that in Hong Kong.


http://drwagnernet.com/40b/lectures/13.02-New-RCA-Building.jpg

So many comments on the NYC skyscrapers being "too old". That's what makes them the more beautiful. Its craftmanship that will never be seen again. To building something along the lines of ESB, Chrysler, or Rockefeller Center, would require loads of money. Remember, labor was cheap in the 30's.The opposite has happened, resulting in the use of glass and steal for the facades. You'll most likely never see another 1200ft building clad in limestone. This is what sets NYC's skyline apart from the rest of the world. You can walk down 6th avenue and transverse 80 years of architecture..try doing that in Hong Kong.


http://drwagnernet.com/40b/lectures/13.02-New-RCA-Building.jpg

Wow, I'm shocked I didn't search this one out and vote on it since I joined the forums, thanks for bumping it up and making me realize that.

As much as I love NYC, I don't just hand out 10's for the sake of handing them out and bumping up my favorite city while making ridiculous votes to degrade another, but the art deco masterpiece skyscraper at 30 Rock is one of the greatest structures ever built and a huge piece of Manhattan's skyscraper collection.

10/10

nothing special and unique building for me

I don't understand how something like that can be said unless you've actually seen the building from ground level. Maybe I'm just blind or just nuts... :nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :nuts: Isn't it just spectacular!


http://www.wirednewyork.com/skyscrapers/ge/ge_gold.jpg

http://www.wirednewyork.com/skyscrapers/ge/ge_1250.jpg

http://www.wirednewyork.com/manhattan/rockefeller_center/rockefeller_center_xmas_tree.jpg

http://www.albertorossini.com/images/photo/city/Christmas%20at%20Rockefeller%20Center,%20New%20York%20City,%20New%20York%20-%201600x1200%20-%20ID%2035282%20-%20PREMIUM.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/janniot.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/geentrance.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/manship2.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/diego.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/friedlander49th.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/news.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/british.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/faulkner.jpg

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/rockefellercenter/industryandagriculture.jpg

http://fotos.miarroba.com/fotos/5/f/5f6361b0.jpg

I like the Rockefeller centre and this tower fits in very well. 7.5

8/10. I like the style.

8/10

Massive building yet silm 8.5/10

7/10.

7.5/10 another great NYC building

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/uno/DSC00908.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/nyctowers/uno/DSC00912.jpg

7.5/10

4/10 classic

Even though some are older, i consider this the father or all skyscrapers. Big, tall, long, and thin. Rockefeller Center was decades ahead of its time and its scope is rarely if ever matched today. This the centerpiece of the whole center is a monument to human engineering, to aethestics, and to general engineering. hell of a building. more than a classic, it defines a skyscraper.
10/10

The view from the narrow side gives it more character. Seeing the entire length of it exposed, however, makes it monstrous and quite ugly. I still give it a 8/10 because I love SNL.

8/10 it's like looking at a whole different building from some angles.

9/10.

4/10

10/10, one of the best skyscapers of all time!

8.5/10

8/10..........

7/10

6/10

Massive 7/10

Iconic, and a glorious part of NYC! 9/10

The best 10/10...

9/10 Classic, massive New York landmark.

8/10

9/10 Its an icon one of New Yorks hundreds

Every art deco building are incredible. :drool: This one isn't an exception. 10/10

not my taste, to boring and to old. 7.5/10

10/10

10/10. judging by the pictures i would have given it an 8 but it looks much more beautiful, much taller, ect. in person. I think one of the things that was much more impression in person was the height and the set backs.

8/10 nice

10/10. One of the greats of the era.

Massive! 9/10.

5/10

7.5/10

A REAL MONSTER, looks not so good sometimes, but its a monster especially for its age 9.5/10

8/10

5/10

5.5/10

6/10

7.5/10 Typical NY skyscraper

8.5/10 Art Deco classic

AERIAL SHOT

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/3955/rockefellercenterhe3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

classic building. 8/10 :)

So slim.. , nice!! 7/10

This building is a gem. Some less than impressive photos at the start of this thread probably depressed the rating for this one. Oh well.

9/10

the google earth angles and perspectives in that pic are doing my head in!

8/10 ;)

8.5/10

6/10

i just love that they opened the observation deck on top, 9.5/10.

9/10 dominant

7. good.

2/10

Not a whole lot of design involved.

Rockefeller Center

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/95461297_e6dbbc1b74_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/250552377_45c1f366e5_o.jpg

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http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/131866430_5ec7981fb5_b.jpg

http://dag.informatik.uni-kl.de/people/fischer/newyork/newyork-040057.jpg

http://dag.informatik.uni-kl.de/people/fischer/newyork/newyork-040062.jpg

From NewYorker2005:

http://www.pbase.com/rfcd100/image/73281358/original.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/369436263_6e44f9fd26_b.jpg

http://www.dj-goop.com/pics/new_york/P1010932.JPG

MEMOIRS...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/23/38383391_d2f3d652ba_o.jpg

Classic so....9/10 :D

NY, well no need to comment!! 1 of the best in the world.

Hey guys! I'd like you to have a look at my city (must be new to most of you) and tell me if it'd be a good idea to do a poll?

your comments are welcome. just visit the thread below

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=299963

4.5 / 10

Pretty nice, old tower.

I love it. A classic. 9.0

i love this building, 10/10 total deserves it! i like the huge dominating look of it...and its so old!

8/10 This tower is the big bully in the city ...you just can't mess with it.

8.5/10

classic but no where near as good as others in NY

7.5

tays

I agree. Just because it is Art nouveau does not mean it is great.

it is a 7.

8.5/10,it's very nice

Nice example of an art-deco structure.:)

I don't like it. It's too bland, boring and boxy.
6.5/10

9/10.

7.5/10

8 - but bland.

7.5 / 10

I usually don't care for older skyscrapers much, but this one is nice. I went to Top of the Rock in August 2006... what a view!!

I think it's ugly. 6/10

Not ugly at all! its classic!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/500771520_f5a0723a0f_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/115/313968847_308a2612ca_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/250552377_45c1f366e5_o.jpg

construction workers on the building
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/82/256945772_efacbbabdf_o.jpg
photos from flickr

8.5/10

9/10 awesome!

9/10 - I like it. I never call it the GE building though. I've always called it Rockefeller center.

nice piece of architecture 10/10

great NYC building 9/10

an 8

9/10, classy and classic :okay:

10/10 a building not to be messed with!!

8/10

Average 7/10

7,5/10

8/10

8/10

Doesn't that builder on the end know how dangerous smoking is in that old construction black and white pic? ;-)

Beautiful tower, ageless

I like the old towers. 9/10

6.5

8/10

7/10

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/GE_Building_by_David_Shankbone.JPG/800px-GE_Building_by_David_Shankbone.JPG

One of NYC Icons. :)

An icon is right. 10/10

7,5/10

i LUV THIS BUILDING! 9.5/10!

Super!!!

9/10

Representin' NYC's class of 1930's scrapers, that alone gives it a 9+ but this gets a 10

A very interesting classic building of the 1930s in New York. Its really impressive "in situ"...!

8.5

One of the classics 8.5/10

9/10 a classic

classy! 8

6.5 its tall ...

8/10

8/10

7/10

An old Classic 10/10

10/10

I always had a soft spot for it!

8.5

7/10

7/10 :)

5/10

9.5/10
One of New Yorks greatest!!!!
:banana:

7.5/10

It's an absolute stunner.

9.5

8/10

6/10

7/10

10/10
One of my personal favorites!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/mr-fish/Miscellaneous/Cool.gif

By virtue of the age I am expressing the recognition.

Beautiful building. Building - history.

9/10

6/10

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/GE_Building_by_David_Shankbone.JPG
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2729683953_0a630e3657_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2713695546_9a9cbacac7_b.jpg

7/10

9/10. Classic view of a skyscraper! Beautiful. :)

Classic building, 10/10.

7,

08/10

8/10
/ Lille, France : http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=23152282#post23152282

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/5448/768vp6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cla$$ic! 10/10

The view on top of it is quite well......

10;/10

8,5

7/10