Manhattan to get second empire state building

The Empire State Building, as seen in 2011 Photo: Ivo Jansch

The Empire State Building is arguably New York's most defining building. The landmark, which is visited by millions every year, stretches 1,250 feet into the air on the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 34th Street.

Soon, though, the skyscraper will have competition from another Empire State Building. The second building is located on 640 Broadway and has been recently approved for renovation by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

How can it be called the Empire State Building as well? The building, discovers Curbed's investigators, was once the home of the Empire State Bank and boasted the words "Empire State Building" on its exterior. The architect's proposals for the facelift will reconstruct those letters on the building.

Photo: 640 Noho (via Curbed)