Junior Rockefeller’s Dream

It was one of the only major construction projects underway during the middle of Depression era New York City. Employing thousands of workers, contractors, and construction companies, Rockefeller Center was originally conceived by mega-developer Junior Rockefeller as Metropolitan Square, a complex that would house the Metropolitan Opera. Contemporary multi-purpose, multiple-use skyscraper projects (see Industry Trends & Events, above) owe a debt of gratitude to Junior Rockefeller's dream.