George Coby (originally Kobakhidze) founded the Coby Glass Products Co. in Attleboro, Massachusetts more than a century ago, in 1919. Within three years the company had become one of the most successful industrial firms on the East Coast. “The Georgian King” was what they called George Coby at the pinnacle of his success due to the construction technology he invented. These would include the water-resistant concrete used in the construction of skyscrapers as well as his rock-hard glass blocks. These and other inventions made Coby one of the country’s first Georgian millionaires.

The Untold Legacy Behind the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center

In the heart of New York City, where architectural dreams scrape the sky and every building tells a story, one name stands as a hidden cornerstone behind the iconic Empire State Building—Coby Glass.

Founded in 1919 by George Coby, a visionary inventor and craftsman, Coby Glass began as a modest window installation service. At a time when the skyline was still growing, and industrial innovation was reshaping the world, George Coby was already ahead of his time. Known not only for installing windows but also for inventing waterproof concrete and glass bricks, George was a pioneer in materials that would later redefine structural possibilities.

But perhaps what made George Coby truly exceptional was his imaginative spirit. Long before holiday lights adorned city avenues, George was also loosely credited with contributing to the invention of the first Christmas lights, a decorative touch that later became synonymous with festive urban landscapes.

The Sky-Racing Era Begins

By the late 1920s, New York was consumed by the “Race to the Sky,” a fierce competition among developers to build the world’s tallest building. It was during this golden era of construction that Coby Glass was invited to participate in the project of a lifetime—the Empire State Building.

Planning began in 1929, just as the world was reeling from the stock market crash. But in the face of economic uncertainty, visionaries pressed forward. The design team, led by architect William F. Lamb, of the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, was the principal designer of the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building was developed by Empire State Inc., a consortium that included prominent figures like John J. Raskob and Al Smith. They needed partners who could meet intense demands. That’s where Coby Glass came in.

Construction officially began on March 17, 1930, and immediately, the pressure was on. The project was expected to rise with unprecedented speed—what took others years, the Empire State Building would do in just over 13 months.

Coby Glass was tasked with fabricating and installing many of the custom glass panes, utilizing George Coby’s own glass brick technology. These were not your ordinary windows. They had to withstand wind pressure at over 1250 feet above ground. More importantly, they had to be installed quickly and precisely.

The Human Element

George Coby wasn’t just an inventor—he was a leader. Coby Glass brought together a crew of expert glaziers, many of whom were recent immigrants seeking opportunity in the booming city. George personally trained them in his patented installation method, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and pride in craftsmanship.

As the steel framework of the Empire State Building soared floor by floor—sometimes a full story per day—Coby Glass’s crew was never far behind, clambering up scaffolds and platforms to install the glass that would become the building’s shimmering skin.

The team faced wind, ice, and dizzying heights. But under George’s guidance, they worked with clockwork precision. Each pane fitted perfectly. Each seal held strong. Not a single major error was reported in their installations—a record that remains part of Coby Glass’s legacy.

The Empire State Building officially opened on May 1, 1931, an architectural marvel that stood as the tallest building in the world until 1970. It had been completed in a record-breaking 1 year and 45 days, using a team of 3,400 workers. an engineering feat still celebrated today.

“We weren’t just installing windows — we were framing the future of New York,” George Coby famously told a journalist in 1931, days before the tower’s grand opening.

Though the company’s name wasn’t emblazoned in lights, the signature of George Coby’s innovation was sealed into every pane, every corner, and every reflection of the skyline cast across the Empire State Building’s glass.

Legacy Beyond the Skies

After the Empire State Building, Coby Glass continued to work on landmark projects, including the Rockefeller Center, further cementing its place in New York City’s architectural history.

George Coby’s inventions would go on to influence generations of builders. His glass bricks found their way into modernist architecture across the country. His waterproof concrete was used in tunnels, bridges, and coastal defenses. And his ideas about modular, quick-install systems shaped commercial window installation for decades.

Today, more than a century after its founding, Coby Glass still operates with the same pioneering spirit. Based in New York City, the company continues to specialize in window installation, glass repair, and storefront solutions, serving both modern developments and historic restorations with equal passion.

 

A Clear Vision

What sets Coby Glass apart isn’t just its longevity. It’s the story of how a small company, led by an ambitious inventor, became a crucial part of one of the greatest construction achievements in American history.

George Coby believed in clarity—in vision, in design, and in purpose. That belief shines through every window installed by Coby Glass, just as it did from the towering windows of the Empire State Building nearly a century ago.

From 1919 to the modern day, Coby Glass remains a symbol of ingenuity, reliability, and excellence in the art of building the skyline—one pane at a time.

During the Great Depression from 1929-1933 the company lost millions, like so many other U.S. businesses. Rather than succumb to what many considered the inevitable bankruptcy, Coby fought back by opening a small factory producing little glass items. The stationary products he manufactured were unique enough to catch the public’s eye, which helped him find a major customer.

Once the war ended Coby ventured into manufacturing a completely different line of products, Christmas decorations! His innovations included tiny electric lamps to replace the flaming candles that people had been placing on Christmas trees. He also  made beautiful glass ornaments in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Customers could buy a “Coby Glass” box containing 12 or 24 ornaments.

To this day we have made sure that the “Coby Glass” name is maintained, never to be forgotten. We continue the tradition of making sure each and every customer is happy with their purchase. Coby Glass is a company that all Americans can be proud of.

Coby Glass is currently providing exceptional window repair services in New York City. As is our tradition, we still put customers first and foremost, which has made us among the most trustworthy window repair and replacement services in the area. We proudly use much of the same hardware that top window and door manufacturers use. So, if you have a residential or commercial window that needs to be repaired or replaced in the New York City area, we invite you to phone, email, or text us. We will do everything in our power to provide you with the window repair or replacement service you need in a timely manner.

We at Coby Glass have always known that our business depends on giving exceptional customer service, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure that every customer is more than satisfied with our services. If you are looking for a particular window part, we’ll find it for you. If you need window replacement services at an affordable price, try us first. Our highly trained window repair service men and women are the best in the business, so please contact Coby Glass today for a quote.