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Great Fortune: The Epic of Rockefeller Center

Enrique Blair

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The story of Rockefeller Center is a tale of ambition, innovation, and triumph. It is a story that begins in the early 20th century, when John D. Rockefeller Jr. set out to create a new kind of urban development that would be a beacon of hope and opportunity for New Yorkers.

Great Fortune: The Epic of Rockefeller Center

by Daniel Okrent

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	524 pages

Rockefeller Center was built during the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and social unrest. But despite the challenges, Rockefeller Jr. never wavered in his belief that the project would be a success. He assembled a team of the world's leading architects, engineers, and artists to create a development that would be both beautiful and functional.

The result was a masterpiece of art deco architecture that has become one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. Rockefeller Center is home to some of the city's most famous attractions, including the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and the Radio City Music Hall.

But Rockefeller Center is more than just a collection of buildings. It is a symbol of hope and opportunity. It is a place where people from all over the world come to experience the best that New York City has to offer.

The Vision

John D. Rockefeller Jr. was a man with a vision. He believed that New York City could be a better place, and he wanted to do his part to make it happen. He envisioned a new kind of urban development that would be a beacon of hope and opportunity for all New Yorkers.

Rockefeller Jr. was inspired by the City Beautiful movement, which was popular in the early 20th century. This movement advocated for the creation of beautiful and functional public spaces that would improve the quality of life for urban residents.

Rockefeller Jr. believed that Rockefeller Center could be a model for the City Beautiful movement. He wanted to create a development that would be both beautiful and functional, and that would provide a variety of opportunities for New Yorkers to work, live, and play.

The Challenge

Building Rockefeller Center was a daunting task. The project was massive, and it was undertaken during the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and social unrest.

But Rockefeller Jr. was determined to make his vision a reality. He assembled a team of the world's leading architects, engineers, and artists to create a development that would be both beautiful and functional.

The team faced a number of challenges during the construction of Rockefeller Center. The site was a former swamp, and the ground was unstable. The team also had to work around existing buildings and infrastructure.

Despite the challenges, the team persevered. They created a masterpiece of art deco architecture that has become one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City.

The Legacy

Rockefeller Center has been a success since it opened in 1933. It is a vibrant and thriving community that is home to some of the city's most famous attractions.

Rockefeller Center is also a symbol of hope and opportunity. It is a place where people from all over the world come to experience the best that New York City has to offer.

John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s vision for Rockefeller Center has been realized. It is a beautiful and functional development that has improved the quality of life for New Yorkers for generations.

Great Fortune: The Epic of Rockefeller Center

by Daniel Okrent

4.6 out of 5