Read the excerpt from The Building of Manhattan.

Question

Because of the Depression, the Empire State Building was never fully rented in its earliest years, but it immediately became one of the wonders of New York City and a favorite tourist attraction. Ordinary folk and the famous alike made the trip up to the observation tower and were enthralled by the sheer height of it all.

Which choice is the best paraphrase of the text?

In the years just after the Empire State Building was built, there were not enough renters to fill the building due to the Depression. However, there were plenty of visitors, both tourists and celebrities. They came to marvel at the building’s height and go up to the observation tower. The Empire State Building quickly became a favorite place to visit in New York.
Even though the Empire State Building was not filled with renters just after it was built, it did become a popular place to visit. People were amazed by the building’s height.
Because of the Depression, the Empire State Building was never fully rented in its earliest years, but it immediately became one of the wonders of New York City and a favorite tourist attraction. Ordinary folk and the famous alike made the trip up to the observation tower and were enthralled by the sheer height of it all.
The Empire State Building is an amazing place. When my family and I visited New York, we couldn’t believe how tall the building was. We went up to the observation tower to see the view of the city. It was incredible. The Empire State Building is one of the wonders of New York City and has been since the Depression.

Answer 1

The best paraphrase of the text is:

"In the years just after the Empire State Building was built, there were not enough renters to fill the building due to the Depression. However, there were plenty of visitors, both tourists and celebrities. They came to marvel at the building’s height and go up to the observation tower. The Empire State Building quickly became a favorite place to visit in New York."

This choice captures the key points about the building's occupancy issues during the Depression while highlighting its popularity as a tourist attraction and the awe it inspired in visitors.