Renovating an Icon

New York City’s Empire State Building attracts more than 4 million visitors a year. It is currently the 4th tallest building in New York City, the 6th tallest in the United States and the 43rd tallest in the world. However, it may well be one of the most, if not the most, famous building in the world. Featured in movies, books and songs, the skyscraper has become emblematic of New York City – joining the Statue of Liberty and a “Big Apple” as an instant identifier of place. And, it is no wonder because from the building’s 102nd-floor observation deck, the city spreads out below in a vast scene of bustle and opportunity. It is a breathtaking panorama unlike any other.

To reach this uppermost deck, visitors journey to the top by way of custom-made, state-of-the-art glass elevators with stops along the way. Each distinctive stop features lobbies full of immersive and historic experiences, including a museum gallery documenting the history of the building and its use in films such as “King Kong,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Spiderman” and many others. You travel through time and history as you travel upwards. Millions of visitors have been drawn to the Empire State Building through the years. And, all of those guests had taken a toll. A bit world-weary and worn, the icon needed a refresher.

The job of bringing the landmark 102nd-floor observation deck into the 21st century was awarded to a leading New York City-based construction company, Navillus. Experts in renovation, Navillus had been using another setting material for years, but by 2019 had converted to using MAPEI products for its superstructure projects.

MAPEI on the job

The biggest challenge that the contractor’s crew faced on the project was establishing a method for transporting all the necessary materials to the 102nd floor from the first floor. There is no direct elevator from the ground to the 102nd floor because there are five distinct levels within the building; therefore, the crews had to rely on a different strategy to stage the jobsite. A relay system – consisting of multiple crews riding separate elevators in order to bring the materials to the 102nd floor – was eventually used.

Because the observation deck is a high-traffic area, a suitable tile and stone installation was specified to provide a durable, long-lasting floor.

Modified Mortar Bed was chosen for its exceptional bond strength as well as for the fact that it is pre-blended, which meant no jobsite blending of powders or any additional additives to worry about mixing. Ultraflex LFT mortar was used for the large-and-heavy-tile installation.

To grout the intricate compass-design tile, Ultracolor Plus FA was used for its rapid-setting ability and the added benefit of color consistency, stain resistance and nonshrinking characteristics. Mapesil T 100%-silicone sealant was then used to complete the flooring installation.

For several months, crews worked in a suspended “cocoon” – a circular scaffolding structure – in order to complete the work without impacting guests visiting the 86th-floor observation deck. That’s right. Although the very top of the building was closed, visitors were still able to look out at the world-famous view – just from a slightly lower vantage point. After all, this is New York City, the “City That Never Sleeps,” and there is no sleeping on this view.

The 102nd-floor renovation, however, is now completed. The observation deck is open to the public, and safety measures are in place due to COVID-19 restrictions. MAPEI is proud to have been a part of this project at one of the world’s most renowned and distinguished buildings. The next time you visit the Empire State Building, don’t forget to look down at the floor while you are looking out. We happen to think that both views are pretty spectacular.