ocr: The rmpire State Bulding had been plamed in the 19208, but ground-breaking dida't occur unti 1930, well iato the Depression. This lent the whole enterprise an air of bravido-or toothardiness. Only a querter of the two mitlion sguare teet of oftice space had been rented as thel building opened, and it did not achieve full occupancy untl the lte 19408. The: site at 34th Street acd Flith Avente hada rich ristory, hetving been originally occupled by John Jacob Astor $ massion, and then by the Waldort Astoria Hotel Construction had been supervised by Col, Paul Starrett, president of the 1irma, Star ...
