40 Facts About Rockefeller Center

Origins and Early History

Rockefeller Center, an iconic New York City landmark, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1800s. Let's dive into its origins and early development.

1. The land that now comprises Rockefeller Center was originally a botanical garden named Elgin Gardens, managed by David Hosack, a prominent physician in the early 1800s.
2. In 1905, Columbia University acquired the land. In 1928, John D. Rockefeller Jr. purchased it from Columbia University for $100 million.
3. Columbia University leased the plot to Rockefeller for 87 years at a cost of $3 million per year.
4. The initial plan was to build a new Metropolitan Opera house on the site. However, the stock market crash of 1929 made it impossible for the opera to afford the space, and the plans were abandoned.
5. After the opera house plans were scrapped, John Rockefeller Jr. entered into negotiations with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) to build a media complex on the site. This development was initially referred to as “Radio City.”

Construction and Design

The construction of Rockefeller Center was a monumental task, especially during the Great Depression. Here are some key facts about its construction and design.

6. The name was later changed to Rockefeller Center, suggested by Ivy Lee, the Rockefeller family’s publicity adviser. John Rockefeller Jr. initially did not want the Rockefeller family name associated with the commercial project but was persuaded that it would attract more tenants.
7. Construction of Rockefeller Center began in 1931, with the first buildings opening in 1933.
8. The core of the complex was completed by 1939, making it one of the greatest projects of the Great Depression era.
9. To build the complex, 228 buildings on the site were razed, and some 4,000 tenants were relocated. Demolition began in 1930, and all leases were bought by August 1931, though some tenants refused to leave their property.
10. Rockefeller hired three architectural firms to design the site: Hood, Hood, and Howell; Corbett, Harrison, and MacKenzie; and Shreve, Lamb and Harmon.

Architectural Features

Rockefeller Center is renowned for its architectural innovation and Art Deco style. Let's explore some of its unique features.

11. Principal architect Raymond Hood, along with Harvey Wiley Corbett and Wallace Harrison, played crucial roles in designing the complex. Hood’s vision included roof gardens and a two-story commercial mall that bridged the cross streets.
12. Hood proposed nearly seven acres of gardens for Rockefeller Center, emphasizing their economic value. About four acres of gardens were actually constructed, creating a romantic landscape in the sky.
13. The construction of Rockefeller Center employed between 40,000 and 60,000 people, making it the largest private building project ever undertaken in contemporary times.
14. The buildings in Rockefeller Center were constructed in the Art Deco style, which was a hallmark of 1930s architecture. Unlike most other Art Deco towers, the Comcast Building (now known as 30 Rockefeller Plaza) was constructed as a slab with a flat roof.
15. The centerpiece of the complex was the seventy-story RCA Building, a tower that took the new form of a “slab,” rather than the stepped pyramid produced by the zoning law. It achieved a titanic scale, with a volume of more than two million square feet, matching only the Empire State Building.

Key Buildings and Expansions

Rockefeller Center consists of several key buildings, each with its own unique history and purpose.

16. The first structure to be completed was the RKO Building in September 1932, followed by Radio City Music Hall in December 1932 and the British Empire Building in April 1933.
17. The 36-story Time & Life Building, named for anchor tenant Time Inc., was completed in November 1936. It replaced an empty plot on the southern block that had been used for vehicle parking.
18. A building for Associated Press on the northern block’s empty lot was topped out by June 1938 and occupied by December of that year. This expansion made Rockefeller Center a hub of both radio and print media.
19. The Guild, a newsreel theater, opened in 1938 along the curve of the truck ramp below the Associated Press Building.
20. Nelson Rockefeller became president of Rockefeller Center in 1938 and fired John Todd as the complex’s manager, appointing Hugh Robertson in his place.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Rockefeller Center has had a profound impact on New York City's culture and economy. Here are some highlights.

21. The Rockefeller family started occupying the 56th floor of the RCA Building, though the offices would later expand to the 54th and 55th floors as well.
22. By fall 1939, the complex had 26,000 tenants and 125,000 daily visitors. That year, 1.3 million people went on a guided tour of Rockefeller Center or visited the RCA Building’s observation deck, while 6 million people visited the underground shopping mall, and 7 million saw a performance at Rockefeller Center.
23. Rockefeller Center was declared a New York City landmark in 1985 and a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
24. The complex and associated land have been controlled since 2000 by Tishman Speyer, which bought the property for $1.85 billion.
25. The observation deck on the 70th floor of the Comcast Building (30 Rockefeller Plaza) offers a 20-foot wide viewing area with a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City. The observation area was renovated between 1985 and 2005 at a cost of $75 million.

Tours and Attractions

Rockefeller Center is not just a collection of buildings; it's a vibrant destination with numerous attractions and tours.

26. The observation deck includes a multimedia exhibition exploring the history of Rockefeller Center. This exhibit provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the complex's evolution and significance.
27. Guided tours of Rockefeller Center are available, offering insights into its architectural design, historical context, and cultural impact. These tours are popular among tourists and locals alike.
28. The underground shopping mall at Rockefeller Center is one of its most popular attractions. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a bustling hub of activity.
29. Rockefeller Center hosts numerous performances and events throughout the year, including the famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony and ice skating rink. These events attract millions of visitors annually.
30. Rockefeller Center has been a central hub for media and entertainment since its inception. It is home to NBC studios, including the flagship radio station WNBC, which ceased broadcasting in 1933 when its frequency was sold by NBC.

Architectural Innovation and Urban Renewal

Rockefeller Center set new standards in architectural design and urban renewal. Here are some key innovations.

31. The design of Rockefeller Center was innovative for its time. The use of roof gardens and interlocking gardens created a unique landscape that surpassed the visionary drawings of Hugh Ferriss from the early 1920s.
32. The roof gardens were not only aesthetically pleasing but also economically valuable. They increased the rental value of office spaces overlooking the gardens by an additional dollar per square foot.
33. Rockefeller Center materialized a microcosm of the twenties’ ideal, rationalized city of the future. It replaced three full city blocks of low-rise, low-rent buildings with a skyscraper complex of more than a dozen mixed-use buildings.
34. The project was unprecedented in its sweeping scale of “urban renewal,” decades before the term was invented. It transformed the urban landscape of New York City, setting a precedent for future urban development projects.
35. Carol Willis, the founder and director of the Skyscraper Museum, is a professor of Urban Studies at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation and Planning. She is also the author of Form Follows Finance and co-author of Building the Empire State with Donald Friedman.

Key Contributors

Several key architects and planners contributed to the creation of Rockefeller Center. Let's highlight their roles.

36. Raymond Hood’s major contributions to Rockefeller Center included the massing of the RCA Building and the introduction of roof gardens throughout the complex. He envisioned a modern metropolis where tower occupants could enjoy a picture to which art and nature have contributed color and design with a note of gayety.
37. Harvey Wiley Corbett advised on the overall site plan, advocating for plazas and arcades, a two-story commercial mall that bridged the cross streets, and separate pedestrian and vehicular zones.
38. Wallace Harrison, who later became the family's principal architect and adviser to Nelson Rockefeller, played a significant role in the design team. He was instrumental in the final stages of the project.
39. Over the years, Rockefeller Center has undergone several renovations and restorations. The most significant was the $75 million makeover of the observation area between 1985 and 2005.
40. Rockefeller Center has had a profound cultural impact on New York City and the world. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and literature, cementing its place in popular culture.

Rockefeller Center's Lasting Legacy

Rockefeller Center stands as a testament to human ingenuity and architectural brilliance. From its origins as a botanical garden to its transformation into a media and cultural hub, this iconic complex has left an indelible mark on New York City. The Art Deco design, innovative roof gardens, and significant economic impact during the Great Depression showcase its historical importance. Hosting NBC studios, the famous Christmas tree lighting, and an underground shopping mall, Rockefeller Center continues to be a vibrant part of the city. Declared a National Historic Landmark, it attracts millions of visitors annually. The complex's evolution and cultural significance make it a must-see destination, embodying the spirit of progress and creativity. Whether you're admiring the panoramic views from the observation deck or exploring its rich history, Rockefeller Center remains a symbol of New York's dynamic and ever-changing landscape.