Chrysler Building
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Architect: William van Alen
Year Completed: 1930
Location: 405 Lexington Avenue, New York City, New York
Style: Art Deco
The Chrysler Building is not only one of my favorite buildings in New York City but of anywhere I have visited. It is now considered one of the most important Art Deco skyscrapers although at the time it was built it was criticized by many architects. The picture at the left was taken from the top of the Empire State Building.
Downtown, the Bank of Manhattan was building what they believed to be the tallest building in the world. When the Chrysler Building appeared to be just about complete, the "perfume bottle top," as it is sometimes called, was assembled inside the building and then hoisted up on top. The result was a building taller than the Bank of Manhattan's and the tallest building in the world. The Chrysler Building held this title for only a few months until the Empire State Building was finished.
The use of stainless steel on the outside of the building was unusual at the time that the Chrysler Building was completed. However, it gives the building a distinctive look and allows it to be seen from very far away.
The spire is made of Nirosta metal—a chrome-nickel steel which contributes to the bright, shiny appearance. Previously, copper, lead and bronze had been the metals of choice among architects. In the winter of 1981, lights were installed in the spire. These lights were part of the original architects design that had never been realized. Between these lights and the extensive cleaning the spire received in the fall of 1995, the building is an amazing sight during the day as well as at night.
The Chrysler Building was originally built for Walter P. Chrysler as the headquarters for his automobile empire. The building, both inside and out, reflects the automobile industry. The eagle gargoyles at the 59th floor are from the hood ornament of the 1929 Chrysler Plymouth while the 31st floor contains what appear to be metal hubcaps. The automotive theme continues in the lobby that was also used as a showroom for Chrysler when the building first opened.
The lobby also contains a 97-foot by 100-foot mural by artist Edward Trumbell that is considered the largest mural in the world. The top floor of the building featured the Cloud Club, which contains a large mural painted by Edward Trumbull as well as a Vitrolite mural of Chrysler automobiles being built. Vitrolite is a glass that was popular in Art Deco buildings and was available in many different colours. Sadly, the Cloud Club has been closed for many years.