Erastus Corning Tower
- Architect
- Wallace Harrison
- Year
- 1966
- City
- Albany, NY
The Erastus Corning Tower, part of the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, was completed in 1973 and designed by Wallace Harrison, clad in Vermont Pearl marble and glass. At 589 feet and 44 stories, it is the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside New York City. It was named for Erastus Corning 2nd, mayor of Albany for over 40 years from 1941 to 1983, dedicated to him in March 1983 during his hospitalization; before that it was simply called the Tower Building.
the building
Observation deck on the 42nd floor. An observation deck on the tower's 42nd floor offers expansive views of Albany, the Hudson River, and the surrounding region.
A tower renamed for its mayor. Known simply as the Tower Building until March 1983, it was rededicated as the Erastus Corning Tower during the hospitalization of the mayor it honors, who had led Albany for more than four decades.
the architect
Wallace Harrison designed the Erastus Corning Tower as part of the Empire State Plaza complex.
significance
At 589 feet, the Corning Tower is the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside New York City, and from 2000 to 2004 it topped the World Almanac's list of Other Tall Buildings in North American Cities. It houses the New York State Department of Health and Office of General Services.
nearby
- The Egg
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- New York State Capitol
- St. Peter's Episcopal Church
- Albany City Hall
- Alfred E. Smith Building