 When it opened in 1908, it had 47 stories and was tall; visitors paid $0.50 ($12 in 2010 terms) each to use the observation area at the top of the building.The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower was opened in 1909, the culmination of a long building project by N. LeBrun and Sons to hold Metropolitan Life's growing headquarters staff, 2,800 strong by 1909.At high and with 50 stories, it became the world's new tallest building.