These observation towers were reached by capsule-shaped elevators and were the tallest structures at the Fair. During the summer of 2006, the red warning light on the top of the highest tower, some 226 feet up, went out. It had to be quickly replaced, per federal regulations due to the proximity of La Guardia Airport. The burnout of this small light presented a large problem for the pavilion’s custodian, the Department of Parks and Recreation. With the elevators no longer in service, and the stairwells rotted beyond use, parks officials had to hire a company that specializes in rappelling up buildings to conduct inspections and to change that light bulb.

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