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Chrysler Building: New York’s Architectural Masterpiece
The Chrysler Building in New York is an iconic structure, currently ranked as the 20th tallest building in the US. It has been a part of the New York skyline for over 90 years and remains a unique office building.
The Essentials: Chrysler Building NYC
The Chrysler Building in New York is a 1,046-foot-tall Art Deco skyscraper. It has 77 floors, 32 elevators, and a top floor that stands 899 feet above the ground. The building cost $20 million to construct and offers 1,195,000 square feet of space.
Completed in 1930, the Chrysler Building held the title of world’s tallest building for 11 months. It retains the distinction of being the tallest brick building with a steel framework.
Architect William Van Alen designed the tower for Walter Chrysler, the owner of the Chrysler Corporation, who funded its construction. In 1953, the Chrysler family sold the building for $18 million.
Today, the Chrysler Building is primarily used for office space, serving as the headquarters of Chrysler until its sale.
Only the lobby is open to the public and features Art Deco designs and red marble walls. The lobby’s ceiling showcases an Edward Trumbull painting titled “Transport and Human Endeavor.”
The Chrysler Building became a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a New York City Landmark in 1978. Its ownership has since changed hands, with the Abu Dhabi Investment Council currently owning approximately 90% of the building.
The Chrysler Building symbolizes international commerce and industry. In 1930, it represented Walter Chrysler’s wealth and success in the corporate world. William H. Reynolds, a real estate developer, oversaw the construction of the Chrysler Building as an office building project.
Former New York State Senator, Walter P. Chrysler, took over the project and lease of the Chrysler Building in 1928. His intention was to grant his sons some responsibilities. Little did he know that the building would become a notable architectural sensation and symbol of the Chrysler Corporation.
Walter P. Chrysler aimed to have the building carry a personal symbol and a state-of-the-art image. The building’s architect, William Van Allen, had modernism in mind.
The building is now known for its Art Deco architecture, featuring a crown and spire at the top. William Van Alen’s task was to create a visual representation of Art Deco that symbolizes the Chrysler Corporation.
The building has about 50 metal ornaments on five floors, resembling gargoyles on Gothic cathedrals. These gargoyles serve as waterspouts, directing water away from the foundation.
Other Design Elements
Over 4 million rivets and 10,000 bulbs were used in the construction of this building. Riveting later became obsolete, and welding became commonplace. The rivets on the Chrysler Building are still intact.
A team of experts regularly supervises and monitors the decorative patterns on the tilework, murals, and furniture, adhering to Art Deco principles. The style includes foundation, fountain, sunburst, chevron, and geometric patterns.
Horizontal black-and-white elements are present between floors. The aerodynamic eagle heads and radiator caps with wings are inspired by the Chrysler emblem.
Iconic Architecture
The structure boasts a steel frame and approximately 50 exterior metal ornaments resembling gargoyles, including eagle-shaped ones reminiscent of Chrysler hood ornaments. The Chrysler building features 3,862 exterior windows.
The most remarkable architectural feature is the crown and spire at the top. The crown consists of seven layered arches, resembling a wedding cake. The upper floors serve mainly for aesthetic purposes.
During the construction, the spire was concealed inside the crown, deliberately obscuring the building’s height. The spire measures 186 feet and was crucial in making the building the tallest at the time.
Comparison: Chrysler Building vs Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was completed in 1931, just 11 months after the Chrysler Building. They were competing to be the tallest building during construction.
After completion, the Empire State Building became the world’s tallest, surpassing the Chrysler Building by 204 feet, and it remains one of the most famous New York attractions with its observation deck.
FAQ
1. What tenants are in the Chrysler Building?
The current tenants are Creative Artists Agency, Clyde & Co, InterMedia Partners, Outfront Media, and YES Network. Visit the website for office space rentals.
2. How far is the Chrysler Building from the Empire State Building?
The Chrysler Building is located 0.8 miles from the Empire State Building, making it a quick 6-minute drive or a 15-minute walk.
Is the Chrysler Building open to the public? Yes, the lobby of the Chrysler Building is accessible to anyone for free, as it is primarily an office building.
Does the Chrysler Building have an observation deck? No, there is no observation deck in the Chrysler Building. Although it used to have a public viewing gallery on the 71st floor, it closed in 1945.
Currently, only the lobby is open to tourists.
What attractions are near the Chrysler Building? The Chrysler Building is conveniently located within walking distance of Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, Bryant Park, and the AKC Museum of Dog.
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