GE Building

GE Building. The GE Building is a 70-story, 850-foot (260 m) skyscraper that forms the central architectural anchor of Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. Completed in 1933, it was originally known as the RCA Building before being renamed for its long-time anchor tenant, the General Electric Company. The structure is celebrated as a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture and is a quintessential symbol of the ambitious urban development projects of the early 20th century, housing the famed Rainbow Room and serving as the headquarters for NBC.

History

The building's conception was part of the larger Rockefeller Center development, spearheaded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. during the Great Depression. Construction was managed by the firm Starrett Brothers and Eken, with the architectural consortium Associated Architects, led by principal designer Raymond Hood, overseeing its design. It opened in 1933 as the RCA Building, named for the Radio Corporation of America, a major initial tenant. The structure was a critical component in establishing the complex as a "city within a city." In 1988, following General Electric's acquisition of RCA and its subsidiary NBC, the building was renamed. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and remains a cornerstone of the Rockefeller Center Historic District.

Architecture

Designed in the Art Deco style, the building's form is a slender slab that rises 70 stories, employing a distinctive set-back design as mandated by the 1916 Zoning Resolution. Its exterior is clad in Indiana limestone and features vertical aluminum spandrels that emphasize its height. The monumental lobby, known as the "Channel Garden" concourse, is a celebrated interior space adorned with murals by artist Josep Maria Sert. The building's crown is illuminated at night, and its rooftop is famous for housing the Rainbow Room restaurant and observation deck. The design philosophy, influenced by Raymond Hood and the broader Associated Architects team, successfully integrated commercial function with monumental civic art.

Tenants and usage

The building is famously the headquarters for the NBC television network, housing studios for programs like *Saturday Night Live* and *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. Other prominent tenants have included its namesake, General Electric, and the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton. The upper floors are occupied by the Rainbow Room and the private Rainbow Grill. The complex also includes the Radio City Music Hall, though it is a separate structure. The building's observation deck, previously known as the Top of the Rock, offers panoramic views of landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park. Management of the property is handled by Tishman Speyer.

In popular culture

The building's iconic silhouette has made it a frequent backdrop in film and television. It is famously the headquarters of NBC in reality and has been depicted as such in countless broadcasts. It served as the model for the "Daily Planet" building in the *Superman* film series starring Christopher Reeve. The building and its plaza are featured prominently in movies like *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York* and *Spider-Man*. Its annual role as the site of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony has cemented its status in American holiday tradition.

See also

* Rockefeller Center * Art Deco architecture of New York City * List of tallest buildings in New York City * NBC * 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Category:Skyscrapers in Manhattan Category:Art Deco architecture in New York City Category:Rockefeller Center Category:National Historic Landmarks in New York City