Chrysler Building - New York, N.Y.
by Richard Krebs
Title
Chrysler Building - New York, N.Y.
Artist
Richard Krebs
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco style skyscraper located on the East Side of Manhattan, New York City, at the corner of 42nd Street and Lexington Ave., in Midtown. At 1046 feet in height the building was the world's tallest for only 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building.
In the 1920's New York City was undergoing a boom and surpassed London, England as the world's largest city. This prompted a building boom as numerous skyscrapers were constructed in New York City. During this period the Art Deco style was very popular in Manhattan, although that style lasted only a few years.
The Chrysler building was designed by architect William Van Alen and originally planned to be 40 stories in height. After three changes the design ended up with 68 stories. The owner, Walter Chrysler, head of the Chrysler Automotive Corporation, directed several additions to the exterior of the building that distinguished its appearance, and the architect, Van Alen, inspired the iconic dome that included arches and triangular windows.
Construction of the foundation of the Chrysler Building was begun in November, 1928, and construction of the building itself was commenced on January 21, 1929. On October 19, 1929, the Chrysler Building officially became the tallest building in the world. It was, for 11 months, the tallest steel structure, brick facade building in the world. It officially opened in May, 1930, and served as headquarters of the Chrysler Corporation until the 1950's.
Uploaded
March 18th, 2014
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