Chrysler Building is one of the most elegant skyscrapers in New York. For 80 years, the Chrysler Building has topped all rankings of America's most beautiful buildings. Our feature explores whether it truly embodies the essence of luxury and wealth.
The History of the Chrysler Building's Construction
The building's roots are evident from its name — Walter Chrysler, the automobile magnate, wanted to immortalize his brand's glory. He struck a deal with New York senator Reynolds to commission a skyscraper project in Manhattan, which would later be sold to his company. The scheme was successful. Within a year, the future beauty, the Chrysler Building, was under construction, and entrepreneur Chrysler was rubbing his hands in satisfaction.
Construction took two years, and by 1930 the building was complete. But its final design was known only to architect Van Alen and a few officials. The building's famous spire, mounted on a steel tower, was designed and erected in secrecy to surpass other tall buildings, like the Trump Building. And it was installed in just 1.5 hours — an incredible feat, isn't it?
For nearly a year, the tower was the tallest building in the world: 77 floors, 320 meters including the spire. It was eventually surpassed by the Empire State Building. But that's not the main point of interest.
The Chrysler Building is one of the best examples of Art Deco style. Yet, the architects managed to integrate Chrysler's signature elements into the design.
Architectural Features
The famous steel arches beneath the spire are indeed such a mix. They are adorned with a pattern from the hubcaps of popular models from the 1920s. It is said to be the roofs of Walter Chrysler's own apartments, but that is a myth — the space actually contains seven technical floors. The ceilings there are low, and there is almost no ventilation. Previously, they housed television and radio antennas and equipment, but they have since moved to the Empire State Building, and now these floors stand empty.
At the level of the 61st floor, the corners of the building are adorned with steel gargoyles, and the 31st floor features four metallic eagles. In the 1940s, they became a subject of controversy — many citizens were against such "frivolous elements" on the facade of the beloved skyscraper. Votes were collected, and a petition was written to the city authorities. At the same time, a crowd gathered to defend them, and the defenders prevailed.
Today, the gargoyles are one of the symbols of the Chrysler Building, and their photos hang in the building's lobby.
What's inside the Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is listed as one of the USA's National Historic Landmarks. Until the 1950s, it primarily served as the headquarters for the Chrysler Corporation.
Today, the building is leased to several corporations. A restaurant on the top floor is available for particularly affluent guests — a space that once housed an observation deck during Chrysler's time. However, once the corporation lost full control over the skyscraper, the space was closed to tourists and city residents.
Currently, only the lobbies on the first floor are accessible to the interested public. It may seem meager — just one floor. But those who have been inside would argue otherwise. Speaking of the interior: the building's finishing utilized unique combinations of wood, steel, and colored marble available at the time.
The architect's vision was for visitors to experience the same feelings upon entering the building as they would when stepping into a new premium Chrysler automobile. Want to test that theory? It's faster and easier to write to American Butler than to save up and select a legendary car. And we will take care to make your New York experiences unforgettable.
Leave your request for a tour — we will definitely show you the city from a new perspective!
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