Citicorp Center, a 915-foot skyscraper opened in 1977, featured an iconic sloped roof and was lauded for its engineering despite criticism for lack of originality. Unbeknownst to the public, the building had a serious engineering flaw that made it susceptible to strong winds and potential collapse. This risk was identified by its engineer in 1978, prompting urgent corrective measures. A newspaper strike at the time kept the public unaware of the danger until the 1990s, when a new book recounting the crisis was published, shedding light on the events and the individuals involved.
On October 12, 1977, Citicorp opened a 915-foot skyscraper, which leveled a new architectural benchmark but concealed a critical engineering flaw that could have endangered lives.
The building's design was criticized for its lack of originality, but its ambitious engineering endeared it to New Yorkers, leading to public appreciation despite risks.
Unbeknownst to its occupants, Citicorp Center was vulnerable to wind, posing threats of collapse in severe weather; preventative measures were not initiated until a year later.
William LeMessurier's story is a key focus of 'The Great Miscalculation,' documenting the crisis of 1978 and the hidden near-disaster of the Citicorp Tower.
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