“Iconic” may be the most overused word in architectural writing. Eye-popping new buildings are declared icons when the concrete has barely cured.

But last month, ARCHITECTURAL RECORD and its sister publication Engineering News Record, under the new ownership of BNP Media, moved into a true icon: the Empire State Building. Just as thrilling as the views from our offices on the 60th floor is the knowledge that we are working in a monumental landmark with an enduring hold on the national imagination.