Virtual Visit: Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd Tower
Explore the modern architecture of the Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd Tower at the Empire State Plaza.
Fun Facts
Designed by Wallace K. Harrison
Tallest NYS Building Outside Manhattan
589 feet tall with 44 floors
34 feet taller than the Washington Monument
8 Years to Construct
5,000 tons of Marble and 5,920 panes of Glass
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller laying the cornerstone of the Empire State Plaza, circa 1965.
Architect Wallace K. Harrison and Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller walking the plaza.
April 17, 1969 tower worker
A view from 313 Hamilton Street of the Corning Tower under construction.
Corning Tower construction 1969.
Corning Tower construction 1969.
Corning Tower construction 1974.
View from the Corning Tower, looking north toward the Capitol.
Empire State Plaza pools, Corning Tower and Egg.
Corning Tower lit with “NY TOUGH” during the COVID-19 pandemic
Trivia
What other buildings in New York did Wallace K. Harrison design?
Harrison designed the United Nations building, Lincoln Center and Rockefeller Center, LaGuardia Airport, and the Trylon and Perisphere for the 1939’s World Fair.
How many buildings make up the Empire State Plaza?
The Corning Tower is one of eleven buildings making up the Empire State Plaza.
What is the International Style of architecture?
The term “International Style” originated in 1932 and refers to a style of unadorned rectangular surfaces made from steel, glass and reinforced concrete.
Did Mayor Erastus Corning serve in the New York State Legislature?
In 1935, Corning served in the New York State Assembly for two years before serving in the New York State Senate.
Throughout his 41 years as Mayor of Albany, did Corning ever take a leave of absence?
In 1944, Corning took a leave of absence to serve in the US Army during World War II.
Was Corning born into a political family?
Corning’s family was very involved in local and state government. His great-grandfather served as Albany’s Mayor in 1834 and his father served as New York’s Lieutenant Governor from 1926 to 1928.