Editing Rockefeller Center (section)

==History==
{{For|more details on construction|Construction of Rockefeller Center}}

===Context===

The first private owner of the site was physician [[David Hosack]], who purchased twenty acres of rural land from New York City in 1801 and opened the country's first public [[botanical garden]], the [[Elgin Botanic Garden]], on the site.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Dana Schulz|title=The Country's First Botanic Garden Was on 20 Wooded Acres at Today's Rockefeller Center|url=https://www.6sqft.com/nyc-had-the-countrys-first-botanic-garden-and-it-was-founded-by-alexander-hamiltons-doctor/|website=6sqft|access-date=September 1, 2016|date=March 30, 2016}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-Rockefeller-Buys-Realty-1928">{{cite web|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/12/28/95697717.pdf|title=Rockefeller Buys $100,000,000 Realty; Part For New Opera|date=December 28, 1928|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=8}} The gardens operated until 1811,{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=12}}{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=9}} and by 1823 the property was under the ownership of [[Columbia University]].{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=9}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=8}} Columbia moved its main campus north to [[Morningside Heights]], in [[Upper Manhattan]], by the turn of the century.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|pp=11–12}}{{sfn|Glancy|1992|p=427}}

[[File:Metropolitan opera 1905.jpg|thumb|alt=The old Metropolitan Opera House|Rockefeller Center originated as a plan to replace the [[Metropolitan Opera House (39th Street)|old Metropolitan Opera House]] (pictured).{{sfn|Radio City Music Hall Landmark Designation|1978|p=3}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=21}}]]

In 1926, the [[Metropolitan Opera]] started looking for locations for a new [[opera house]] to replace the [[Metropolitan Opera House (39th Street)|existing building]] at [[39th Street (Manhattan)|39th Street]] and [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]].{{sfn|Radio City Music Hall Landmark Designation|1978|p=3}} By 1928, [[Benjamin Wistar Morris (architect)|Benjamin Wistar Morris]] and designer [[Joseph Urban]] were hired to come up with blueprints for the house.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=21}}{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=10}}  However, the new building was too expensive for the Met to fund by itself,{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=13}} and [[John D. Rockefeller Jr.]] eventually gave his support to the project ([[John D. Rockefeller Sr.]], his father, was not involved).{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=13}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=31–32}} Rockefeller hired Todd, Robertson and Todd as design consultants to determine its viability.{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=1115}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=33}} John R. Todd then put forth a plan for the Met.<ref name="NYTimes-Opera-Site-Dropped-1929">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1929/12/06/94215747.pdf|title=Rockefeller Site For Opera Dropped|date=December 6, 1929|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 10, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=33, map p.&nbsp;34}} Columbia leased the plot to Rockefeller for 87 years at a cost of $3 million per year,<ref name="NYTimes-Opera-Site-Dropped-1929" /> excluding some properties on Fifth Avenue and a strip on Sixth Avenue.<ref name="NYTimes-Rockefeller-Buys-Realty-1928" /><ref name="NYTimes-Engineers-Engaged-1929">{{Cite news |date=October 5, 1929 |title=Engineers Engaged For Opera Centre |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1929/10/05/91961261.pdf |access-date=November 10, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The initial cost of acquiring the space, razing some of the existing buildings, and constructing new buildings was estimated at $250 million.{{sfn|Seielstad|1930|page=19}}

Rockefeller hired [[Corbett, Harrison & MacMurray]]; [[Hood, Godley & Fouilhoux]]; and [[Reinhard & Hofmeister]], to design the buildings. They worked under the umbrella of "Associated Architects" so none of the buildings could be attributed to any specific firm.{{sfn|Federal Writers' Project|1939|p=334}}{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}}{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=13}}{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=1115}} The principal builder and "managing agent" was John R. Todd, one of the co-founders of Todd, Robertson and Todd.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=32}} The principal architect and leader of the Associated Architects was [[Raymond Hood]], a student of the [[Art Deco]] architectural movement.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=44}}<ref name="nhlsum"/> The other architects included [[Harvey Wiley Corbett]]{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=44}} and [[Wallace Harrison]].<ref>{{cite news | last=Goldberger | first=Paul | title=Wallace Harrison Dead At 86; Rockefeller Center Architect | work=The New York Times | date=December 3, 1981 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/03/obituaries/wallace-harrison-dead-at-86-rockefeller-center-architect.html | access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> L. Andrew Reinhard and Henry Hofmeister had been hired by John Todd as the "rental architects", who designed the floor plans for the complex.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=58}} The [[Metropolitan Square Corporation]] (the precursor to Rockefeller Center Inc.) was formed in December 1928 to oversee construction.{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=9}}{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=11}}

After the stock market [[Wall Street Crash of 1929|crash of 1929]], the Metropolitan Opera could not afford to move anymore.{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=11}} After the opera plans were canceled on December 6, 1929,<ref name="NYTimes-Opera-Site-Dropped-1929" />{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=11}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=48}} Rockefeller quickly negotiated with [[RCA|Radio Corporation of America (RCA)]] and its subsidiaries, [[NBC|National Broadcasting Company (NBC)]] and [[RKO Pictures|Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO)]], to build a [[mass media]] entertainment complex on the site.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=50}}{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=29}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=70}} By May 1930, RCA and its affiliates had agreed to develop the site.{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=53}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=142}} Todd released a new plan "G-3" in January 1930, followed by an "H plan" that March.{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=11}} Another plan, announced in March 1931,{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=57}}{{sfn|Popular Mechanics|1932|pages=252–253}} received mostly negative feedback from the public.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=57–58}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|pp=180–182}}{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=36}} The design of the complex was affected greatly by the [[1916 Zoning Resolution]], which required [[Setback (architecture)|setbacks]] to all high street-side exterior walls of New York City buildings in order to increase sunlight for city streets.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=16–17}}{{Efn|As per the 1916 Zoning Act, the wall of any given tower that faces a street could only rise to a certain height, proportionate to the street's width, at which point the building had to be set back by a given proportion. This system of setbacks would continue until the tower reaches a floor level in which that level's floor area was 25% that of the ground level's area. After that 25% threshold was reached, the building could rise without restriction.{{sfn|Kayden|Municipal Art Society|2000|p=8}} This law was superseded by the [[1961 Zoning Resolution]].{{sfn|Kayden|Municipal Art Society|2000|pp=11–12}}|name=zoning}} The plan also included rooftop gardens<ref name="NYSun-Plans-Revised-1931">{{cite news |date=August 24, 1931 |title=Plans Revised For Radio City |page=20 |work=The New York Sun |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201931%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201931%2520-%25208099.pdf |access-date=November 16, 2017 |via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-Gardens-1931">{{Cite news |last=Hood |first=Raymond |date=August 23, 1931 |title=The Babylonian Dream Soon to Be Made Reality in Radio City Is Seen by the Architects as a Huge Experiment Holding the Possibility of a Completely Transformed Metropolis |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1931/08/23/118418603.pdf |access-date=November 11, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and a recessed central plaza.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=61–62}}<ref name="NYTimes-Roof-Bridges-1932">{{cite news |date=March 19, 1932 |title=Rockefeller Centre To Have Roof Bridges |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/03/19/100696666.pdf |access-date=November 11, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="NYSun-Plans-Revised-1931" /> The International Complex, announced in 1931, replaced an earlier plan for an oval retail building;{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=92}}{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=44}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=59}} its name was derived by the British, French, and Italian tenants who eventually occupied it.{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=87}}{{sfn|International Building Landmark Designation|1985|p=8}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=69}}

During early planning, the development was often referred to as "Radio City",{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=11}} "Rockefeller City", or "Metropolitan Square" (after the Metropolitan Square Corporation).<ref name="The New York Times 1931">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1931/12/21/98091856.pdf|title=Radio City to Bear the Name of Rockefeller; Formal Title Will Be Chosen in a Few Days|date=December 21, 1931|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Ivy Lee, the [[Rockefeller family]]'s publicity adviser, suggested changing the name to "Rockefeller Center". John Rockefeller Jr. initially did not want the Rockefeller family name associated with the commercial project, but was persuaded on the grounds that the name would attract far more tenants.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|page=258}} The name was formally changed in December 1931.<ref name="The New York Times 1931" /> Over time, the appellation of "Radio City" devolved from describing the entire complex to just the complex's western section,{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}} and by 1937, only the [[Radio City Music Hall]] contained the "Radio City" name.<ref name=SRW-Radio-City-1937>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201937%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201937%2520-%25206215.pdf|title=Mystery on Sixth Ave.|last=Miller|first=Moscrip|date=1937|work=[[Screen & Radio Weekly]] |access-date=November 10, 2017|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref>

===Construction===
For the project, 228 buildings on the site were razed and some 4,000 tenants relocated.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=53}}{{sfn|Glancy|1992|p=428}} Demolition of the properties began in 1930.{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}} All of the buildings' leases had been bought by August 1931,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1931/08/21/102256674.pdf|title=Radio City Hold-Out Won By Two Icemen; Pop Was Only Runner-Up In Old Tenants' Endurance Test, Final Count Reveals. Abdication Is Complete Rockefeller Interests Settle With Cellar Merchants And Wreckers Move On Last Stronghold.|date=August 21, 1931|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> though there were some tenants on the western and southeastern edges of the plot who refused to leave their property, and Rockefeller Center was built around [[Rockefeller Center#Pre-existing buildings|these buildings]].{{sfn|Alpern|Durst|1996|pp=38, 40}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|pp=93–94, map p.&nbsp;92}} Excavation of the Sixth Avenue side of the complex began in July 1931,<ref name="NYTimes-Digging-1931">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1931/07/26/118214933.pdf|title='Radio City' Digging To Begin Tomorrow|date=July 26, 1931|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and construction on the first buildings, Radio City Music Hall and the [[Center Theatre (New York City)|Center Theatre]], began later that year.{{sfn|Radio City Music Hall Landmark Designation|1978|p=4}}<ref name=NYSun-Roxy-New-Mood-1932>{{cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201932%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201932%2520-%25206106.pdf|title=Roxy Presents New Mood|last=Gilligan|first=Edmund|date=November 29, 1932|work=The New York Sun|access-date=November 11, 2017|page=20|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> {{Convert|14,000,000|ft3|m3|disp=|spell=In}} of [[Indiana Limestone]] were ordered for the project in December 1931, the largest such order at the time.<ref name="NYTimes-Limestone-1931">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1931/12/24/98349941.pdf|title=Radio City Towers To Be Of Limestone|date=December 24, 1931|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

[[File:Rockefeller Center, December 1933.jpg|thumb|Construction progress in December 1933]]

The RKO Building was the first structure to be completed, in September 1932,<ref name=TarrytownDN-RKO-Complete-1932>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FTarrytown%2520Ny%2520Daily%2520News%2FTarrytown%2520Ny%2520Daily%2520News%25201932%2FTarrytown%2520Ny%2520Daily%2520News%25201932%2520-%25202981.pdf|title=Nelson Rockefeller To Address Skyscraper Workers Tomorrow|date=September 19, 1932|work=Tarrytown Daily News|access-date=November 10, 2017|page=16|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> followed by the Music Hall in December 1932<ref name=DailyArgus-Music-Hall-1932>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201931%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201931%2520-%25200398.pdf|title=Mount Vernon Shares Glory At Opening Of Radio City Music Hall In New York|date=December 28, 1932|work=Daily Argus|location=[[Mount Vernon, New York]]|access-date=November 10, 2017|page=16|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-Music-Hall-1932">{{cite news | title=Music Hall Marks New Era In Design; Many Traditions In Building Of Theatres Cast Aside For Modern Devices. Color Lighting Featured Effects Of Decorative Scheme Are Dependent On An Elaborate System Of Illumination. |work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331 | date=December 28, 1932 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/12/28/105940014.pdf | access-date=November 12, 2017}}</ref> and the [[British Empire Building]] in April 1933.{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=93}} The RCA Building's opening was delayed from May 1 to mid-May because of a controversy over ''[[Man at the Crossroads]]'', a painting in the building's lobby, which was later covered up and removed.{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=185}}  A new street through the complex, Rockefeller Plaza, was constructed in stages between 1933<ref name=NYTimes-Rockefeller-Plaza-1933>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1933/01/16/105381760.pdf|title=' Rockefeller Plaza' Joins City Directory; Center's New Street and Promenade Named|date=January 16, 1933|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and 1937.<ref name="NYTimes-TimeLife-Opening-1937">{{cite news | title=Rockefeller Unit Ready For Opening | work=The New York Times | date=March 31, 1937 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/03/31/94347746.pdf | access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref> [[Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree|The complex's famed Christmas tree]] in the center of the plaza was erected for the first time in December 1933,<ref name="NYTimes-Tree-1934">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/12/19/94589225.pdf|title=Rockefeller Center Gets A 70-Foot Tree; Holiday Musical Programs To Be Presented At Huge Spruce Set Up In Plaza.|date=December 19, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the complex's [[Prometheus (Manship)|Prometheus]] statue was constructed in May 1934.<ref name="NYTimes-Prometheus-1934">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/01/10/94483422.pdf|title=Statue in Center Plaza; Giant Figure of Prometheus Set at Rockefeller Fountain.|date=January 10, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> By July 1934, the complex had leased 80% of the available space in the six buildings that were already opened.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=88}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/07/27/95489927.pdf|title=Tenants Flock To 5th Av. Centre; Six Rockefeller Buildings In Big Development 80 Per Cent Rented. Forecast Is Exceeded Result Is Held to Show That Business Situation Is Fundamentally Sound.|date=July 27, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
[[File:Lunch atop a Skyscraper - Charles Clyde Ebbets.jpg|thumb|The iconic photograph ''[[Lunch atop a Skyscraper]]'' depicts workers resting for a meal during the construction of [[30 Rockefeller Plaza]].]]
Work on two more internationally themed retail buildings and a larger, 38-story, {{Convert|512|ft|m|adj=on}} "International Building", started in September 1934. One of the two small buildings was already rented to Italian interests.<ref name="NYTimes-Plans-1934">{{cite news | title=Rockefeller Units To Cost $8,000,000; Plans Filed For Buildings On Fifth Avenue Between 50th And 51st Sts. One Is 38-Story Edifice Foreign Groups Due To Occupy Twin Seven-Story Structures On Avenue Frontage.|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331 | date=May 9, 1934 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/05/09/95045296.pdf | access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> The final small building would have been rented by Germany, but Rockefeller ruled this out in 1934 after noticing [[Nazism|National Socialist extremism]] from the country's government.{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=205}}{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=69}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|pp=283–284}} The empty office site was downsized and became the "International Building North", rented by various international tenants.{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=129}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=285}} In April 1935, developers opened the International Building and its wings.{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}}<ref name="NYTimes-Skyscraper-Record-1935">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/06/26/101514708.pdf|title=New Skyscraper Record; Rockefeller Center Units Notable for Construction Speed.|date=June 26, 1935|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201935%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201935%2520-%25202219.pdf|title=463 Leases in Center|date=June 1, 1935|work=New York Sun|access-date=November 11, 2017|page=43|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref>

The underground pedestrian mall and ramp system between 48th and 51st streets was finished in early May.<ref name="NYTimes-Tunnels-1935">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/05/04/95502907.pdf|title=Rockefeller City Finishes Tunnels|date=May 4, 1935|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 11, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 1936, an ice skating rink replaced the unprofitable retail space on the lower plaza, below ground level.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=92–93}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|pp=358–359}}<ref name=pbs>{{Cite AV media|url=http://www.pbs.org/video/american-experience-rockefellers/|title=WGBH American Experience . The Rockefellers|website=American Experience|access-date=December 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name=NYTimes-Skating-Pond-1936>{{cite news | title=Skating Pond to Open On Rockefeller Plaza | work=The New York Times | date=December 10, 1936 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/12/10/85441848.pdf | access-date=November 14, 2017}}</ref>

The 36-story Time & Life Building,{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=197}}{{efn|The "Time-Life Building" appellation would later apply to [[1271 Avenue of the Americas]], also located in the Rockefeller Center,{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=112}} which opened in 1959.<ref name="NYTimes-Time-1959"/> Afterward, the original Time & Life Building became known as [[1 Rockefeller Plaza]].{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=112}}}} named for anchor tenant [[Time Inc.]],<ref name="NYTimes-Time-Moving-1938"/> was completed in November 1936,{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}}<ref>{{cite news | title=Steel Work Finished On Rockefeller Unit; Frame for 36-Story Building Is Completed in 43 Days, a Record for Speed. | work=The New York Times | date=November 28, 1936 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/11/28/93534140.pdf | access-date=November 14, 2017}}</ref> replacing an empty plot on the southern block that had been used for vehicle parking.{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=219}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=338}} Eleven buildings had been completed by 1937 at a total cost of over $100 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/01/19/101018623.pdf|title=Rockefeller Will Finish Center At Once to Provide New Jobs|date=1938|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 14, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A building for [[Associated Press]] on the northern block's empty lot,{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=94}} which had been reserved for the Metropolitan Opera house,<ref name=NYTimes-Abandons-Opera-1937>{{cite news | title=Rockefeller Center Abandons Opera Plans; To Build on Site Long Held for Metropolitan | work=The New York Times | date=May 11, 1937 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/05/11/94373567.pdf | access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> was topped out by June 1938<ref name="NYTimes-Steelwork-Finished-1938">{{cite news | title=Steel Work Finished; New 15-Story Unit in Rockefeller Center 'Topped Out' | work=The New York Times | date=June 17, 1938 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/06/17/98151818.pdf | access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and occupied by December of that year.<ref>{{cite news | title=Associated Press Occupies New Home | work=The New York Times | date=December 19, 1938 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/12/19/98220019.pdf | access-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}} The presence of Associated Press and Time Inc. expanded Rockefeller Center's scope from strictly a radio-communications complex to a hub of both radio and print media.{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=210}} The Guild, a [[News cinema|newsreel theater]],{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=210}} opened in 1938 along the curve of the truck ramp below the Associated Press Building.<ref name="NYTimes-Film-House-Opens-19382">{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/12/02/98872206.pdf|title=Film House Opens Today; Fourth Unit in Newsreel Chain Is in Rockefeller Center|date=December 2, 1938|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref> After Nelson Rockefeller became president of Rockefeller Center in 1938,{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=1115}}{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=56}} he fired John Todd as the complex's manager and appointed Hugh Robertson in his place.{{sfn|Balfour|1978|p=56}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=384}} The Rockefeller family started occupying the 56th floor of the RCA Building,<ref name="Roberts 2014" /> though the offices would later expand to the 54th and 55th floors as well.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=386}}
[[File:1230 Avenue of the Americas.jpg|thumb|1230 Avenue of the Americas (originally the U.S. Rubber Company Building) is the most recently built structure in the original complex.]]
A proposed 16-story building in the center of the southernmost block was leased to [[Eastern Air Lines]] in June 1940.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=97}}<ref>{{cite news | title=Air Lines Taking New Office Space; Rickenbacker Signs Rockefeller Lease During Flight |work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331| date=June 13, 1940 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/06/13/113092407.pdf | access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref> Excavation started in October 1938, and the building was topped out by April 1939.<ref>{{cite news | title=New Rockefeller Unit Is 'Topped Out'; Realty Board Foresees Higher Tax Rate|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331| date=April 7, 1939 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/04/07/91561838.pdf | access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref>{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}} At the same time, Rockefeller Center Inc. wanted to develop the western half of the southern plot, which was partially occupied by the Center Theatre.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=98}}{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=231}} The [[United States Rubber Company]] agreed to occupy the plot,{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=98–99}} and excavation of the U.S. Rubber Company Building site commenced in May 1939.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/05/03/113345926.pdf|title=Sixth Avenue Corner Site Is Being Cleared For the Final Unit in Rockefeller Center|date=May 3, 1939|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 22, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>  John Rockefeller installed the building's ceremonial final rivet on November 1, 1939, marking the completion of the original complex.<ref name="NYTimes-Complete-1939">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/11/02/94732871.html|title=Rockefeller Center is Completed as its Creator Pleads for Peace|date=November 2, 1939|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 14, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{sfn|Fitch|Waite|1974|p=12}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=393}} However, although the final rivet had been driven, the Eastern Air Lines Building was not completed until October 1940.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=97}}<ref>{{cite news | title=Airline Building Is Dedicated Here; Governors of 17 States Take Part by Pressing Keys | date=October 16, 1940 |work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331| url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/10/16/102265018.pdf | access-date=November 21, 2017}}</ref>

The construction of the project employed between 40,000 and 60,000 people.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|pp=189–190}} The complex was the largest private building project ever undertaken in contemporary times.<ref name="roussel">{{harvnb|ps=.|Roussel|2006|page=11}}</ref> Architectural historian [[Carol Herselle Krinsky]] describes the center as "the only large private permanent construction project planned and executed between the start of the Depression and the end of the Second World War".{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=11}} According to writer [[Daniel Okrent]], Rockefeller Center was so extensive that it was said that "you could do anything you wanted except sleep (no hotels), pray (no churches), or not pay rent to [John Rockefeller Jr.]".{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=399}} By fall 1939, the complex had 26,000 tenants and 125,000 daily visitors. That year, 1.3 million people went on a guided tour of Rockefeller Center or visited the RCA Building's observation deck, while 6 million people visited the underground shopping mall, and 7 million saw a performance at Rockefeller Center.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=403}}

===World War II era===
Even before the U.S. officially entered [[World War II]] in 1941, Rockefeller Center was affected by the war.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=403}} The Dutch government had been slated to take up one-fifth of the space at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, but could not do so because of World War II.{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=219}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=408}} Seven of the complex's eight travel agencies had to move elsewhere because of the war, and [[William Rhodes Davis]], a tenant who shipped oil to Nazi Germany and fascist Italy, was denied a lease renewal in 1941.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=410}} After the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] on December 7, 1941, Rockefeller Center Inc. terminated all lease agreements with German, Italian, and Japanese tenants because their respective countries comprised the [[Axis powers]], whom the United States were fighting against.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=411}} Art on [[Palazzo d'Italia]] was taken down because they were seen as being fascist,{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=411}} and the [[Rainbow Room]] was closed to the public from 1943 to 1950.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=413}} Instructions for blackouts and sandbags for extinguishing fires were placed throughout the complex.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=412}} During the war, the RCA Building's Room 3603 became the primary location of the U.S. operations of [[Secret Intelligence Service|British Intelligence]]'s [[British Security Co-ordination]], organized by [[William Stephenson]]. It also served as the office of [[Allen Dulles]], who would later head the [[Central Intelligence Agency]].{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=411}}<ref name="srodes">{{harvnb|ps=.|Srodes|1999|pages=207, 210}}</ref>

Rockefeller Center only became profitable after the last building in the original complex was completed. The complex had incurred $26 million in debt by 1935, which had increased to $39 million by 1940. However, the complex was already 87% rented by 1940, and by the next year, Rockefeller Center was nearly fully rented, making a profit for the first time in its history.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=100}} By 1944, the complex's existing rentable area totaled {{Convert|5,290,000|ft2|m2}}, with 99.7% of the space being leased.<ref name="NYTimes-Plans-Buildings-1944">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1944/05/04/88600495.pdf|title=Rockefeller Center Plans New Buildings After War; Rockefeller City Plans Expansion|date=May 4, 1944|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 22, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Because the complex was almost completely rented, Rockefeller Center's managers kept waiting lists of potential tenants, and as a result of the waiting lists, the complex's office space became more desirable to these tenants.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=103}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=417}} Two years later, there were 400 companies who wanted to rent space in Rockefeller Center, and the complex's managers determined that they would need to add {{convert|1,000,000|ft2|m2}} of space in order to house all the prospective tenants. Rockefeller Center was also popular among visitors: for instance, the lines to enter one of the Music Hall's five daily shows stretched from Sixth Avenue and 50th Street to Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street, a distance of four blocks.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=417}}

In light of the abundance of possible renters, John Rockefeller Jr. transferred his ownership of the complex to his sons.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=418}} The father collected the $57.5 million loan that Rockefeller Center Inc. owed him, then distributed it to his sons in the form of a tax break. Rockefeller Center eventually became the family's "single largest repository" of wealth.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=422}} In 1950, Rockefeller Center Inc. paid the last installment of the $65 million mortgage owed to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Three years later, the complex was making $5 million per year in profit, excluding the tax breaks.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=424}}

=== Post-World War II expansion ===
[[File:75 Rockefeller Plaza.jpg|thumb|[[75 Rockefeller Plaza]], built in 1947]]
Rockefeller Center Inc. had started working on plans to expand the complex during World War II, even though the outbreak of the war had stopped almost all civilian construction projects.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=102–103}} In 1943, the complex's managers bought land and buildings on three street corners near the complex.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1943/08/04/83933733.pdf|title=Rockefellers Buy 6th Ave. Buildings; Acquire 3 Valuable Corners Opposite Their Development, Besides Other Properties Deal Stirs Speculation Seen As Part Of Post-War Expansion Plans – Also Linked To Improvement Of Street|date=August 4, 1943|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 22, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Rockefeller Center unveiled plans for expansion to the southwest and north in 1944.<ref name="NYTimes-Plans-Buildings-1944"/>

[[Esso]] (now Exxon) was one of the tenants who wanted to expand, and the company signaled that it would build its own office tower if Rockefeller Center's managers did not construct a building for them.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=103}} They were given land at the north end of Rockefeller Plaza.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=104}}{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=424}} In February 1947, the under-construction [[75 Rockefeller Plaza|Esso Building]], at the north end of the existing property, became part of Rockefeller Center after ownership of the building was transferred from the Haswin Corporation to Rockefeller Center, Inc.<ref name="NYTimes-Esso-Part-1947">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/02/05/87505458.pdf|title=Esso Building Is Part Of Rockefeller Center|date=February 5, 1947|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 23, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The building was topped out the next month.<ref name="NYTimes-Esso-Toppedout-1947">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/03/13/87509314.pdf|title=Old Glory 'Tops Out" A New Structure|date=March 13, 1947|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 23, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Hugh Robertson stepped down as manager the next year,{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=425}} and he was replaced by Gustav Eyssell.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=429}}

Some tenants, such as the [[Sinclair Oil Corporation]], indicated that they wanted to leave the complex after their leases expired in 1962–1963 because the original complex's buildings did not have [[air conditioning]], while newer office buildings did. As Columbia University still owned the land underneath the complex, they were tasked with installing air conditioning in the buildings. The new building would add emphasis to any north–south views of the center, since the existing complex's building only formed west–east axes.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=106–107}} Another problem befell Rockefeller Center's key tenants, NBC and RCA, who were approached by other developers with the promise of more leasable space, a commodity that was scarce in the fully leased complex.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=107}} These problems were pushed aside temporarily by the onset of the [[Korean War]] in 1950. By 1951, Columbia had acquiesced to reimbursing Rockefeller Center, Inc., for AC installation, while NBC and RCA were given permission to use the Center Theatre for extra broadcasting space.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=107}}

In 1949, in the face of a shrinking congregation, the St. Nicholas Church leased the church building to the [[Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company]], who then leased three contiguous plots from Rockefeller Center for a proposed 28-story building.{{sfn|600 Fifth Avenue Landmark Designation|1985|p=2}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=108}} The congregation was dispersed to other churches, and the old church building at Fifth Avenue and 48th Street was subsequently demolished.<ref name="NYTimes-Church-Razed-1949">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1949/04/01/84203520.pdf|title=St. Nicholas Church to Be Razed To Make W ay for Office Building; To Be Erected On Church Site Long Lease Closes St. Nicholas Fight|date=April 1, 1949|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 22, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Construction commenced on 600 Fifth Avenue in 1950, and the tower was completed by 1952.{{sfn|600 Fifth Avenue Landmark Designation|1985|p=2}}{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=108}} The building was named after the Sinclair Oil Company, who leased eight floors.<ref>{{cite news | title=Sinclair Is Moving to Skyscraper On Side of Old St. Nicholas Church; Leaving Rockefeller Center, Oil Concern Leases Eight Floors for 21 Years at a Reported Rental of $16,000,000 | work=The New York Times | date=August 4, 1950 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/08/04/305943872.pdf | access-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref> As a result of Sinclair's relocation to 600 Fifth Avenue, as well as Esso's relocation to 75 Rockefeller Plaza, NBC and RCA could expand into the space that Sinclair and Esso formerly occupied in the original complex, and they moved out of the Center Theatre shortly after the Sinclair Oil Company moved into its own tower.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=108}} In mid-1953, Columbia bought all of the land along Sixth Avenue that had been owned by the Underel Corporation at a cost of $5.5 million. Rockefeller Center leased the land back from Columbia until 1973 for $200,000 a year.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=108–109}}<ref name=p1322504709>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1322504709}} |title=Columbia Buys Another Rockefeller Center Plot |date=August 13, 1953 |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Cooper|first=Lee E.|date=August 13, 1953|title=Columbia Adds $5,500,000 Land To Its Rockefeller Center Holding; Area Is Bought, Then Rented Back to Sellers, Who Also Get a Longer Lease|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/13/archives/columbia-adds-5500000-land-to-its-rockefeller-center-holding-area.html|access-date=February 14, 2022|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This allowed Columbia to install air conditioning, passing the costs on to the remaining tenants in return for lease extensions.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|pp=108–109}}

The small Center Theatre was deemed redundant to the Radio City Music Hall, and in its final years, had been used as an NBC and RCA broadcasting space.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=107}} After NBC and RCA expanded into the floor area formerly occupied by Sinclair, the U.S. Rubber Company indicated that it wanted to expand its office building into the space that was taken up by the underused theater.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=108}} In October 1953, it was announced that the theater would be demolished.<ref>{{cite web | last=Cooper | first=Lee E. | title=Center Theatre to Be Torn Down; Office Building Set for Radio City; 19-Story Office Building to Replace Center Theatre RADIO CITY LOSING CENTER THEATRE | website=The New York Times | date=October 22, 1953 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1953/10/22/83822791.pdf | access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> It was demolished in 1954.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=424}}<ref name="NYTimes-Skyscraper-Stilts-1954"/>

Time-Life also wanted to expand, as its existing space in 1 Rockefeller Plaza was also becoming insufficient.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=417}}<ref name="NYTimes-Block-Sold-1953"/> In August 1953, Rockefeller Center, Inc., bought a tract of land on the west side of Sixth Avenue between 50th and 51st streets.<ref name="NYTimes-Block-Sold-1953">{{cite web | title=Midtown Block Is Sold; Rockefeller Center Adds '6th' Ave. Land to Holdings | website=The New York Times | date=August 10, 1953 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1953/08/10/84418200.pdf | access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref> In 1956, two years after the demolition of the Center Theatre, officials announced the construction of a new tower, the Time-Life Building, on that plot. The {{convert|500|ft|m|adj=on}}, $7 million building would include connections to the existing passageway system and to Roxy's Theater directly to its west.<ref name="NYTimes-Rockefeller-Skyscraper-1956">{{cite news | last=Ennis | first=Thomas W. Jr. | title=Rockefeller Center To Add Skyscraper; 47-Story Building On 6th Ave. Is Set | work=The New York Times | date=December 14, 1956 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1956/12/14/86966875.pdf | access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> Time Inc. and Rockefeller Center formed a [[joint venture]], Rock-Time Inc., which would share the tower's rent income between Time Inc. and Rockefeller Center.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=112}} Construction on the Time-Life Building's steelwork started in April 1958,<ref>{{cite news | title=Time-Life Building Gets First Steel | work=The New York Times | date=April 4, 1958 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1958/04/04/82682657.pdf | access-date=December 4, 2017}}</ref> and the structure topped out in November of that year.<ref name=NYTimes-Tops-Out-1958/> The building officially opened in December 1959.<ref name="NYTimes-Time-1959">{{cite web | title=Time's Tenants Begin Moving In; Finishing Touches Are Put on 48-Story Structure, Rising 587 Feet | website=The New York Times | date=December 22, 1959 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/12/22/archives/times-tenants-begin-moving-in-finishing-touches-are-put-on-48story.html | access-date=December 4, 2017}}</ref>

Around 1960, Rockefeller Center, [[Uris Buildings Corporation]], and [[Webb and Knapp]] formed another joint venture, Rock-Uris Corp. Originally, the venture wanted to construct a hotel to the west of 75 Rockefeller Center, but ultimately, a glass-and-concrete 43-story office building was built on the site.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=114}} In 1961, the building was named after [[Sperry Corporation]], who leased eight floors in the future building.<ref>{{cite news | title=Building Is Named For Sperry Rand; Office Structure on 6th Ave. Will Be Called After Principal Lessee | work=The New York Times | date=March 13, 1961 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1961/03/13/101451043.pdf | access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref> The hotel, [[New York Hilton Midtown|New York Hilton at Rockefeller Center]], was built two blocks north{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=114}} in 1963.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1963/06/26/81817110.pdf|title=New Hilton Hotel Will Open Today; 46-Story Building Added to Changing Midtown Face Other New Hiltons Opened|date=June 26, 1963|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
[[File:New York 2015 - panoramio (4).jpg|thumb|[[1251 Avenue of the Americas]] (1965). [[1221 Avenue of the Americas|1221]] (1966) and [[1211 Avenue of the Americas|1211]] (1968) are visible to the left and far left, respectively.]]
600 Fifth Avenue was sold to Rockefeller Center's managers in 1963, thus officially becoming part of Rockefeller Center.<ref name="NYTimes-Sinclair-Sold-1963">{{cite web | title=Sinclair Building on 5th Ave. Sold; Rockefeller Center Buys Structure for 9 Million | work=The New York Times | date=May 16, 1963 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1963/05/16/84796606.pdf | access-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref> The same year, officials from Esso (later renamed [[Exxon]]) proposed a new building for the complex because the company had outgrown the space in the buildings it already occupied.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Krinsky|1978|p=116}}</ref> Rockefeller Center's managers hired the architectural firm [[Harrison & Abramovitz]] to design three new towers on the west side of Sixth Avenue, with one tower on each block between 47th and 50th streets.{{sfn|Krinsky|1978|p=117}} The Exxon Building, at [[1251 Avenue of the Americas]] between 49th and 50th streets, was formally announced in August 1967.<ref name="NYTimes-Rockefeller-Skyscraper-1967">{{cite web | title=Rockefeller Center To Add Skyscraper; Rockefeller Center to Get Skyscraper | work=The New York Times | date=August 30, 1967 | url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1967/08/30/90399002.pdf | access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref> Three months later, officials also announced plans for a tower housing [[S&P Global|McGraw-Hill]], located one block south at [[1221 Avenue of the Americas]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1967/11/28/140510322.pdf|title=McGraw-Hill Plans a 48-Story Tower; Razing Progresses A Publishing Giant|date=November 28, 1967|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Plans for a tower anchored by [[Celanese]], to be located at [[1211 Avenue of the Americas]] between 47th and 48th streets, would not be revealed until 1970.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/16/archives/celanese-to-build-skyscraper-in-rockefeller-center-complex.html|title=Celanese to Build Skyscraper In Rockefeller Center Complex|last=Fowler|first=Glenn|date=September 16, 1970|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 29, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Exxon Building opened in 1971, followed by the McGraw-Hill Building in 1973 and the Celanese Building in 1974.{{sfn|Nash|McGrath|1999|p=127}} By the time all three of the new buildings were opened, Rockefeller Center contained 7% of [[Manhattan]]'s {{Convert|250,000,000|ft2|m2}} of leasable office space.<ref name=NYTimes-Expansion-1974/>

=== 1970s and 1980s ===
[[File:RockefellerLandmark.JPG|thumb|Rockefeller Center's landmark plaque]]
600 Fifth Avenue and 75 Rockefeller Plaza received renovations in the early 1970s. Unlike in the rest of the complex, where different components were renovated one at a time to avoid disturbing tenants, the two structures were renovated all at once because their space was largely vacant.<ref name="Horsley 1973">{{cite web|last=Horsley|first=Carter B.|title=Two Buildings Get A Major Overhaul At Rockefeller Center|website=The New York Times|date=April 8, 1973|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/08/archives/two-buildings-get-a-major-overhaul-at-rockefeller-center-2.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref> Rockefeller Center Inc. renewed their lease on the complex in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaiser|first=Charles|title=The Truth Is, Columbia Owns Rockefeller Center Buildings, Too|website=The New York Times|date=March 21, 1976|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/21/archives/the-truth-is-columbia-owns-rockefeller-center-buildings-too.html|access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>

Through the 1960s, the Music Hall was successful regardless of the status of the city's economic, business, or entertainment sectors as a whole.  However, by the early 1970s, the proliferation of closed-captioned foreign movies had reduced attendance at the Music Hall. The first round of staff and performer firings began in 1972.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=429}} By January 1978, the Music Hall was in debt,<ref name="Oelsner 1978">{{cite web|last=Oelsner|first=Lesley|title=Efforts to Save-Music Hall Started|website=The New York Times|date=January 7, 1978|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/07/archives/efforts-to-save-music-hall-started-public-and-private-efforts-to.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ferretti 1978">{{cite web|last=Ferretti|first=Fred|title=Agreement Reached on Radio City Tower|website=The New York Times|date=April 7, 1978|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/07/archives/agreement-reached-on-radio-city-tower-rentals-from-the-20story.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref> and the hall's annual attendance had declined to 1.5 million visitors,{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=430}} down from 5 million in 1968.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shepard|first=Richard F.|title=Music Hall to Be Restored|website=The New York Times|date=April 19, 1979|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/19/archives/music-hall-to-be-restored-new-show-format-set-restoration-to-start.html|access-date=December 12, 2017}}</ref> Officials stated that it could not remain open after April.<ref name="Oelsner 1978" /> A [[grassroots lobbying|grassroots]] campaign formed the [[Showpeople's Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grantz|first1=Roberta B.|last2=Cook|first2=Joy|title=Music Hall: Krupsak blames regime for woes|work=New York Post|page=8|date=March 14, 1978}}</ref> After several weeks of lobbying, the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC) designated the theater as an interior city landmark in March,<ref>{{cite web|last=McDowell|first=Edwin|title=Interior of Music Hall Designated As Landmark Despite Objections|website=The New York Times|date=March 29, 1978|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/29/archives/interior-of-music-hall-designated-as-landmark-despite-objections.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref> followed by a [[National Register of Historic Places]] listing in May.<ref>{{cite news|title=Radio City In National Register|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/13/archives/radio-city-in-national-register.html|work=The New York Times|date=May 13, 1978|access-date=November 23, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> The hall was set to close on April 12,<ref>{{cite web|last=Clines|first=Francis X.|title=About New York|website=The New York Times|date=March 1, 1978|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/01/archives/about-new-york-rockettes-alive-and-kicking-as-music-halls-end-nears.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref> but five days before the planned closing date, the [[Empire State Development Corporation]] voted to create a nonprofit subsidiary to lease the Music Hall.<ref>{{cite web|title=Agreement With U.D.C. Keeps Music Hall Open Indefinitely|website=The New York Times|date=April 13, 1978|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/04/13/archives/agreement-with-udc-keeps-music-hall-open-indefinitely.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref>

A ''New York Times'' report in 1982 stated that Rockefeller Center had been popular among tenants from its inception, being almost fully rented for much of the first half-century of its existence.<ref name="Prial 1982"/> The major exception was in the 1970s, when it was only 85&nbsp;percent rented.<ref name="Prial 1982"/><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 576"/> However, Rockefeller Center was not popular as an entertainment complex, having been used for mainly commercial purposes through its history.<ref name="Prial 1982">{{cite web|last=Prial|first=Frank J.|title=22 Acres Of Real Estate That Generate Millions|website=The New York Times|date=June 17, 1982|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/17/nyregion/22-acres-of-real-estate-that-generate-millions.html|access-date=November 23, 2017}}</ref> The LPC held hearings in 1983 to determine how much of Rockefeller Center should be protected as a landmark.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lake |first=Katharine |date=April 18, 1983 |title=Rockefeller Center landmarking proposed |page=106 |work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com  |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97567070/rockefeller-center-landmarking/ |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref> The Rockefeller family and Columbia University acknowledged that the buildings were already symbolically landmarks, but their spokesman [[John E. Zuccotti]] recommended that only a small section (including the RCA Building, Lower Plaza, and Channel Gardens) should be protected. By contrast, almost everyone else who supported Rockefeller Center's landmark status recommended that the entire complex be landmarked.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=September 21, 1983|title=Rockefeller Center: a 'Jewel' but Is All of It a Landmark?|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/21/nyregion/rockefeller-center-a-jewel-but-is-all-of-it-a-landmark.html|access-date=February 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wiener |first=Caryn Eve |date=September 21, 1983 |title=6-Block Landmark Viewed as Too Costly |page=25 |work=Newsday|via=newspapers.com  |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97567027/6-block-landmark-viewed-as-too/ |access-date=March 13, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Stern (2006) p. 576">{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=576}}</ref> The LPC granted landmark status to the exteriors of all of the original complex's buildings, as well as the interiors of the International Building's and 30 Rockefeller Plaza's lobbies, on April 23, 1985.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 576"/>{{sfn|Glancy|1992|p=426}}{{sfn|Adams|1985|pp=270–271}} In its approval of the complex's landmark status, the commission wrote, "Rockefeller Center ranks among the grandest architectural projects ever undertaken in the United States".{{sfn|Adams|1985|p=269}} The buildings became a [[National Historic Landmark]] two years later.<ref name="nhlsum"/><ref name="nrhpinv">{{harvnb|ps=.|Pitts|1987}}</ref><ref name="nrhpphotos">{{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=87002591|photos=y}}| title=Rockefeller Center&nbsp;– Accompanying photos, c.1933 to c.1986| date=January 23, 1987| publisher=National Park Service| access-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref> The [[United States Department of the Interior]] wrote in its report that the center was "one of the most successful urban planning projects in the history of American architecture".{{sfn|Pitts|1987|p=3}}{{sfn|Glancy|1992|p=427}}

Columbia University was not making enough money from Rockefeller Center leases by the 1970s, since a series of negotiations with Rockefeller Center Inc. (now Rockefeller Group) had effectively reduced the annual lease payment to $11 million. The university's funds had dwindled so much that by 1972, their expenses were paid for by their endowment fund.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=428}}  In 1983, Columbia University started looking to sell the land beneath Rockefeller Center.<ref name="Dowd 1985"/> Two years later, Columbia agreed to sell the land to the Rockefeller Group for $400 million.<ref name="Dowd 1985">{{cite news|last=Dowd|first=Maureen|title=Columbia Is To Get $400 Million In Rockefeller Center Land Sale|work=The New York Times|date=February 6, 1985|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/06/nyregion/colombia-is-to-get-400-million-in-rockefeller-center-land-sale.html|access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref> The Rockefeller Group immediately set out to modernize many aspects of the complex.{{sfn|Okrent|2003|p=431}} The Rainbow Room was closed for a $20 million restoration and expansion that brought the restaurant's floor area to {{convert|4500|sqft|m2}},<ref>{{cite news|last=Giovannini|first=Joseph|title=Rainbow Room: Re-creating the Glamour|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/07/style/rainbow-room-re-creating-the-glamour.html|access-date=November 3, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 7, 1987}}</ref> and it reopened in December 1987.<ref>{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/20/arts/architecture-view-the-new-rainbow-room-s-wonderful.html|title=Architecture View; The New Rainbow Room: S'Wonderful!|last=Goldberger|first=Paul|date=December 20, 1987|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 9, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> The RCA Building's observation deck was subsequently closed because the Rainbow Room's expansion eliminated the only passageway to the observatory's elevator bank.<ref name="NYTimes-RCA-Summit-1986">{{Cite news|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/18/nyregion/a-quiet-place-at-rca-s-summit-drifts-onto-the-pages-of-the-past.html|title=A Quiet Place at Rca's Summit Drifts Onto the Pages of the Past|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=June 18, 1986|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 7, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> In mid-1988, the RCA Building was renamed the GE Building.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 578"/><ref name="Hevesi">{{cite news|last=Hevesi|first=Dennis|title=30 Rock? RCA? NBC? No, G.E.!|work=The New York Times|date=July 14, 1988|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/14/nyregion/30-rock-rca-nbc-no-ge.html|access-date=November 14, 2017}}</ref> [[Mitsubishi Estate Co.|Mitsubishi Estate]], a real estate company of the [[Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi Group]], purchased the Rockefeller Group in 1989.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 578">{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=578}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Robert J.|title=Japanese Buy New York Cachet With Deal for Rockefeller Center|work=The New York Times|date=October 31, 1989|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/31/business/japanese-buy-new-york-cachet-with-deal-for-rockefeller-center.html|access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref>

===1990s to present===
{{plain image with caption|Rockefeller Center logo.svg|Official logo of Rockefeller Center}}

The Rockefeller Group filed for bankruptcy protection in May 1995 after missing several mortgage payments.<ref name="p398480359">{{cite news |last1=Pacelle |first1=Mitchell |last2=Lipin |first2=Steven |date=May 12, 1995 |title=Japanese owner seeks court protection for Manhattan's Rockefeller Center |page=A3 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|398480359}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1995-05-12">{{Cite news |last=Hansell |first=Saul |date=May 12, 1995 |title=For the Rockefellers, a Deal Falls Short Only by Inches |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/12/business/for-the-rockefellers-a-deal-falls-short-only-by-inches.html |access-date=March 11, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That November, John Rockefeller Jr.'s son [[David Rockefeller|David]] and a consortium led by [[Goldman Sachs]] agreed to buy Rockefeller Center's buildings for $1.1 billion,<ref name="n97393958">{{Cite news |last=Grant |first=Peter |date=November 8, 1995 |title=Rock Ctr. stays in family |pages=42, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97394035/ 43] |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97393958/rock-ctrpeter-grant/ |access-date=March 11, 2022}}</ref> beating out [[Sam Zell]] and other bidders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grant |first=Peter |date=March 22, 1996 |title=Zell's Rock bid crumbles |page=671 |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97393934/zells-rock-bid-crumblespeter-grant/ |access-date=March 11, 2022}}</ref> The consortium, which also included [[Gianni Agnelli]] and [[Stavros Niarchos]], finalized its acquisition in July 1996.<ref name=memoirs/> Before the sale was even completed, the consortium sold {{convert|1,600,000|ft2|m2}} of space in 30 Rockefeller Plaza to NBC, who had rented that space in the tower since the beginning.<ref name=NYTimes-NBC-Space-1996>{{cite web |last=Deutsch |first=Claudia H. |title=NBC Will Buy Rockefeller Center Space |website=The New York Times |date=May 4, 1996 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/04/business/nbc-will-buy-rockefeller-center-space.html |access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> A preservation dispute arose in May 1998, when the owners announced plans to enlarge shop windows on the center's Fifth Avenue buildings to two stories.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 579">{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=579}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=May 6, 1998 |title=Preservationists Criticize Rockefeller Center Renovation Plan |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/06/nyregion/preservationists-criticize-rockefeller-center-renovation-plan.html |access-date=February 14, 2022}}</ref> These windows were reduced in size upon the LPC's request,<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 580">{{harvnb|ps=.|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|p=580}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chen |first=David W. |date=July 1, 1998 |title=Concerns on Rockefeller Center Plans |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/01/nyregion/concerns-on-rockefeller-center-plans.html |access-date=February 14, 2022}}</ref> and the modifications were approved in September 1998.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 580"/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Monte |date=September 16, 1998 |title=Rockefeller Center Plans Approved |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/16/nyregion/rockefeller-center-plans-approved.html |access-date=February 14, 2022}}</ref> Due to the decline of the newsreel theater industry, the Guild was shuttered in late 1999 after Tishman Speyer decided not to renew its lease.<ref name=NYTimes-Closes-Theater-1999>{{cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |title=Rockefeller Center Quietly Closes Theater |website=The New York Times |date=October 19, 1999 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/19/nyregion/rockefeller-center-quietly-closes-theater.html |access-date=November 22, 2017}}</ref>

[[Tishman Speyer]], led by David Rockefeller's close friend [[Jerry Speyer]] and the [[Lester Crown|Lester Crown family]] of Chicago, bought the original 14 buildings and land in 2000 for $1.85 billion.<ref name="Stern (2006) p. 578"/><ref name=memoirs>{{harvnb|ps=.|Rockefeller|2002| page=479}}</ref><ref name="Bagli 2000">{{cite web |last=Bagli |first=Charles V. |title=Era Closes at Rockefeller Center With $1.85 Billion Deal on Sale |website=The New York Times |date=December 22, 2000 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/22/nyregion/era-closes-at-rockefeller-center-with-1.85-billion-deal-on-sale.html |access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> With the sale, the Rockefeller family gave up its remaining interest in Rockefeller Center's operation.<ref name="Bagli 2000"/> Tishman Speyer also decided to renovate the complex's retail spaces and underground concourse.<ref name="Collins 1999"/> The Rainbow Room closed in 2009<ref>{{cite web |last=Dominus |first=Susan |title=Big City – Rockefeller Center Club Follows Rainbow Room in Closing |work=The New York Times |date=June 20, 2009 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/nyregion/20bigcity.html |access-date=February 19, 2018}}</ref> in preparation for an extensive renovation that started in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marx |first=Rebecca |url=http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/07/rainbow_room_ge.php |title=Somebody Is Finally Paying Attention to the Rainbow Room – New York Restaurants and Dining – Fork in the Road |publisher=Blogs.villagevoice.com |date=July 11, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706232437/http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/07/rainbow_room_ge.php |archive-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> The restaurant reopened in October 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/rainbow-room-reopens-top-30-rockefeller-plaza-article-1.1964362 |title=Rainbow Room reopens at top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza after five years |access-date=December 10, 2017 |date=October 5, 2014 |agency=Associated Press |location=New York}}</ref> The Rockefeller family moved out of their offices in the GE Building in 2014 due to rising rents. They re-settled in less expensive offices on 49th Street, near their old headquarters.<ref name="Roberts 2014">{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=Sam |title=Why Are Rockefellers Moving From 30 Rock? 'We Got a Deal' |website=The New York Times |date=November 24, 2014 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/nyregion/why-are-rockefellers-moving-from-30-rock-we-got-a-deal.html |access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> The next year, in July 2015, the GE Building was renamed after [[Comcast]], the parent company of [[NBCUniversal]].<ref>{{cite web |title=30 Rock officially renamed Comcast Building |website=am New York |date=July 1, 2015 |url=https://www.amny.com/news/30-rock-officially-renamed-comcast-building-with-corporate-sign-to-light-up-wednesday-1.10600082 |access-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/comcast-building-30-rock-nbc-peacock-311241431.html |title=30 Rock Officially Renamed Comcast Building; NBC Peacock Lights Up NYC Skyline for First Time in History |publisher=NBCUniversal Media LLC |date=July 1, 2015 |access-date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> [[Future Green]] installed temporary artwork in the Channel Gardens in 2019 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of David Hosack's birth.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ochs |first1=Caitlin |last2=Libbey |first2=Peter |date=May 5, 2019 |title=Rockefeller Center Digs Up Its Bucolic Roots |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/05/arts/rockefeller-gardens.html |access-date=February 26, 2022}}</ref>

In January 2020, Tishman Speyer hired Gabellini Sheppard Associates to design a renovation for Channel Gardens, Rockefeller Plaza, and the Lower Plaza. These plans included modifications to lighting, planting, pathways, and facades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Sebastian |date=January 16, 2020 |title=Tishman Speyer and Gabellini Sheppard Associates Reimagine Rockefeller Plaza |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2020/01/tishman-speyer-and-gabellini-sheppard-associates-reimagine-rockefeller-plaza.html |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=New York YIMBY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Ricciulli 2020">{{cite web |last=Ricciulli |first=Valeria |title=Rockefeller Center's public plaza could get a major revamp |website=Curbed NY |date=January 15, 2020 |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2020/1/15/21065977/rockefeller-center-nyc-renovation-landmarks-preservation-commission |access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> The plans were approved that April.<ref name="Gannon 2020">{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |title=Rockefeller Center revamp gets Landmarks approval |website=6sqft |date=April 28, 2020 |url=https://www.6sqft.com/rockefeller-center-revamp-gets-landmarks-approval/ |access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> Gabellini Sheppard also proposed renovating the International Building's lobby.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Sebastian |date=June 22, 2020 |title=Gabellini Sheppard Associates Reveals Next Phase of Renovations At 45 Rockefeller Plaza In Midtown, Manhattan |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2020/06/gabellini-sheppard-associates-reveal-next-phase-of-renovations-at-45-rockefeller-plaza-in-midtown-manhattan.html |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=New York YIMBY |language=en-US}}</ref> A rooftop garden above Radio City Music Hall opened in September 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radio Park, an Idyllic Rooftop Garden, Opens Above Radio City Music Hall |website=Rockefeller Center |url=https://www.rockefellercenter.com/magazine/arts-culture/radio-park-an-idyllic-rooftop-garden-opens-above-radio-city-music-hall/ |first=Emily |last=Sokolow |date=September 15, 2021 |access-date=January 26, 2022}}</ref> Starting in 2022, a roller rink called [[Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace]] was set up in the Lower Plaza from April to October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yakas |first=Ben |date=March 15, 2022 |title=Get ready to boogie oogie oogie at Rockefeller Center's new roller rink |url=https://gothamist.com/ |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=Gothamist |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Blasberg |first=Derek |date=March 15, 2022 |title=Rockefeller Center's Iconic Rink Flips to a Super-Luxe Roller-Skating Venue This Summer |language=en-US |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/rockefeller-center-roller-skating-11647346373 |access-date=March 16, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> In addition, 19 eateries opened within Rockefeller Center during the early 2020s, including 12 [[sit-down restaurant]]s.<ref name=nyt-2022-12-12>{{Cite news |last=Wells |first=Pete |date=December 12, 2022 |title=Rockefeller Center Is the New York Restaurant Event of the Year |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/dining/rockefeller-center-restaurants.html |access-date=December 13, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In April 2023, Tishman Speyer proposed renovating ten of 10 Rockefeller Plaza's upper stories into a 130-room hotel.<ref name="wsj-2023-04-17">{{Cite news |last=King |first=Kate |date=2023-04-17 |title=Rockefeller Center Strikes Deal for Luxury Hotel by Aspen Hospitality |language=en-US |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/rockefeller-center-strikes-deal-for-luxury-hotel-by-aspen-hospitality-group-432029fe |access-date=2023-06-16 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref name="Rebong 2023">{{cite web |last=Rebong |first=Kevin |date=April 17, 2023 |title=Tishman Speyer Eyeing Luxury Hotel at Rockefeller Center |url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2023/04/17/tishman-speyer-eyes-luxury-hotel-at-rockefeller-center/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=The Real Deal}}</ref> At the time, 93 percent of the complex's office space was leased, but the offices were largely empty during workdays.<ref name="Rebong 2023"/> An event venue named Hero opened at Rockefeller Center that November.<ref name="Rahmanan 2023 c374">{{cite web |last=Rahmanan |first=Anna |title=Look inside the new immersive exhibition space under Rockefeller Center |website=Time Out New York |date=November 3, 2023 |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/look-inside-the-new-immersive-exhibition-space-under-rockefeller-center-110323 |access-date=November 4, 2023}}</ref> The Rockefeller Group also renovated the complex in the mid-2020s, adding restaurants and stores,<ref>{{cite news |title=Rockefeller Center Reinvention Aims to Buck Midtown Malaise |url=https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/rockefeller-center-reinvention-aims-to-buck-midtown-malaise-64b986b8 |first=Kate |last=King |date=Aug 20, 2024 |access-date=Aug 20, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> and Tishman Speyer refinanced Rockefeller Center in October 2024 with a $3.5 billion loan.<ref>{{cite web | title=Tishman snags $3.5B refi for Rockefeller Center | website=The Real Deal | date=October 21, 2024 | url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2024/10/21/tishman-snags-3-5b-refi-for-rockefeller-center/ | access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Elstein | first=Aaron | title=Rockefeller Center nears $3.5B refinancing at a steep price | website=Crain&#039;s New York Business | date=October 16, 2024 | url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/rockefeller-center-close-massive-mortgage-refinancing | access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref>