Research


Scope and Content Note

This series consists of "Reading Files," which are carbon copies of outgoing correspondence pertaining to virtually all aspects of the South Mall (Empire State Plaza) construction project. A large portion of the correspondence was created by South Mall coordinators W. W. Wannamaker and John C. Byron. Correspondence is addressed to state agency personnel involved with the project, the State Comptroller's Office, private contractors, law firms, and elected officials. Subjects include contract agreements and amendments, contract adjustment claims filed by contractors, specifications, cost estimates, personnel assignments, contract vouchers, and payments to contractors.

The series also contains chronological log sheets (1971-1980 only), which were used to track incoming and outgoing correspondence. Sheets include correspondence date, sender, subject, addressee, and action taken upon receipt. While not arranged as a subject or name index, the logs can be used to determine the date of correspondence involving particular individuals, contracts, or project locations.