The most iconic building on the Manhattan skyline is undergoing a £340m ($550m) refurbishment project - not only to recreate its Art Deco grandeur but also make it a skyscraper fit for the 21st Century.
The programme, which includes the replacement of all the building's windows, should lead to a 38% energy saving.
For the BBC Radio 4 series Defining the Decade, presenter Edward Stourton went to the Empire State Building - and met Ray Quartararo who is overseeing the project.
'Defining the Decade: The Heat is On' is on BBC Radio 4 at 0902 GMT and 2130 GMT on Tuesday 22 December. It will then be available for seven days on the BBC iPlayer.
Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 21 December 2009.
One-Minute World News
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