Erastus Corning Tower, Albany

The Erastus Corning Tower, also known as the Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd Tower, is a prominent skyscraper. Completed in 1966, the tower is part of the Empire State Plaza and stands at an impressive 589 feet, making it the tallest building in the state outside of New York City. The structure is sheathed in Vermont Pearl marble and glass, contributing to its sleek and modern appearance. It serves as a state office building, housing the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Office of General Services.

One of the Corning Tower's most notable features is its observation deck on the 42nd floor. This vantage point offers expansive views of Albany, the Hudson River, and the surrounding region. Informative panels below the windows help visitors identify and learn about visible landmarks. While the observation deck does not provide a full 360-degree view鈥攍acking windows on the west side鈥攊t remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors can reach the deck via a nonstop elevator that travels at a speed of 26 km/h (16 MPH).

In addition to its architectural significance, the Corning Tower has played a role in making the Albany skyline recognizable. For a period from 2000 to 2004, it was listed in the World Almanac's list of "Other Tall Buildings in North American Cities," highlighting its prominence. The building's public access policies have also evolved over time; notably, upon taking office in 2010, Governor Andrew Cuomo eliminated the requirement for visitors to present a photo ID to access the observation deck, making it more accessible to the public.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Albany. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Erastus Corning Tower
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Albany Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Albany, New York

Create Your Own Walk in Albany

Creating your own self-guided walk in Albany is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Albany Introduction Walking Tour

Albany, the state capital of New York, is a small city with a storied canvas that holds a significant place in the narrative of New York and the broader United States.

The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Albany's Historical Buildings Tour

Albany is steeped in history and architectural splendor, featuring a varied collection of buildings that mirror its diverse and layered past. The city鈥檚 architecture ranges from majestic government edifices to prominent educational establishments, highlighting Albany鈥檚 role as a key political and cultural center.

More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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