The Chrysler Building
In the fall of 1930, Walter Chrysler finished his dream of creating a modern
skyscraper office building in the heart of downtown Manhattan.
From the start, Chrysler's architects used interesting automotive touches
to highlight the buildings automotive roots. Among these were hubcaps,
and eagle emblem (used in gargoyle motif) and stainless steel (used to
resemble chrome) laced around the building's beautiful spire.
Another important element was the radiator cap used on the late 1920's
Chryslers, and shared on the Imperial models.
Architect: William Van Alen
319 meters 1046' high
17 Floors
185' Spire on top
The gargoyles depict Chrysler car ornaments
and the spire is modeled on a radiator grille
Art Deco Style
29961 Tons of Steel
3,826,000 Bricks
5000 Windows
Basket-weave designs
Manually Laid Brick
Special-steel Facing
Located on the east side of Manhattan
in the Turtle Bay area
at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington
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All photographs by Sue Petri. All rights reserved