When has the Empire State Building been the tallest building in NYC?

The Empire State Building has held the title of the tallest building in New York City during multiple time periods, particularly before and after the World Trade Center towers were completed. Upon its completion in 1931, the Empire State Building became the tallest building in the world and maintained that status until the World Trade Center was finished in 1975. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center towers were destroyed, the Empire State Building again took on the title of the tallest building in New York City.

This historical context highlights that the Empire State Building's prominence as the tallest structure is not limited to a specific era but spans several decades, and thus, it is accurate to say it has been the tallest before and after the World Trade Center's existence.