Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building is a skyscraper and distinctive symbol of New York City, standing 1,046 feet high on the east side of Manhattan at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. Originally built for the Chrysler Corporation, the building is presently co-owned by TMW Real Estate (75%) and Tishman Speyer Properties (25%). The Chrysler Building was the first structure in the world to surpass the 1,000 foot threshold. It was overtaken by the Empire State Building as the tallest building in the world in 1931, and is now the second tallest tower in New York City.

Groundbreaking was on September 19, 1928. At the time the building was erected, the builders of New York were in the throes of a stiff competition to build the world's tallest skyscraper. The Chrysler building was constructed at an average rate of 4 floors per week, and no workers were killed during construction. Just prior to completion, the building stood even with H. Craig Severance's 40 Wall Street. Severance subsequently added two feet to his building, and claimed the title of the world's tallest building (this distinction excluded "structures", such as the Eiffel Tower).

Not one to be outdone, the architect William Van Alen had already secretly obtained permission to build a 125 foot spire, which was being constructed inside of the building. The spire, composed of 'Nirosta' stainless steel, was hoisted to the top of the building on October 23, 1929, making the Chrysler Building not only the world's tallest building, but also the world's tallest structure. The steel chosen to cap the building was Krupp KA2 "Enduro" Steel. Van Alen and Chrysler enjoyed this distinction for less than a year, before it was surrendered to the Empire State Building. Unfortunately, Mr. Van Alen's satisfaction was muted by Walter Chrysler's refusal to pay his fee.[citation needed] The Chrysler Building opened to the public on May 27, 1930 with an opening ceremony. The building was renovated in 1978 which saw the construction of the granite, marble and steel entrance hall. The spire underwent restoration which was completed in 1995.

Architecture

The Chrysler Building is a famous example of Art Deco architecture, and the distinctive ornamentation of the tower is based on features that were then being used on Chrysler automobiles. The corners of the 61st floors are graced with eagles, replicas of the 1929 Chrysler hood ornaments[1]. On the 31st floors the corner ornamentation are replicas of the 1929 Chrysler radiator caps. The building is constructed of masonry, with a steel frame, and metal cladding.

The lobby is similarly elegant. When the building first opened it contained a public viewing gallery near the top, which a few years later was changed into a restaurant, but neither of these enterprises was able to be financially self sustaining during the Great Depression and the former observation floor became a private dining room called the Cloud Club. The very top stories of the building are narrow with low sloped ceilings, designed mostly for exterior appearance with interiors useful only to hold radio broadcasting and other mechanical and electrical equipment.

There are two sets of lighting in the top spires and decoration. The first are the V-shaped lighting inserts in the steel of the building itself. Added later were groups of floodlights which are on mast arms directed back at the building. This allows the top of the building to be lit in many colors for special occasions. This lighting was installed by electrician Charles Londner and crew during construction.

In more recent years the Chrysler Building has continued to be a favorite among New Yorkers. In the summer of 2005, New York's own Skyscraper Museum asked one hundred architects, builders, critics, engineers, historians, and scholars, among others, to choose their 10 favorites among 25 New York towers. The Chrysler Building came in first place as 90% of them placed the building in their top 10 favorite buildings.

The Chrysler Building´s distinctive profile has inspired similar skyscrapers worldwide, including One Liberty Place in Philadelphia.