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Early Addition
In honor of the Chrysler Building's 75th birthday this spring, the NY Times ran this awesome Op-Art piece by James Stevenson that explained some of the building's beginnings. Stevenson did this an illustration of Brooklyn-born, Pratt-educated Chrysler Building architect William Van Alen wearing a Chrysler Building costume, noting that he looked "uncomfortable and forlorn," "more Pagliacci than skyscraper," and Gothamist decided to hunt down the actual photograph. And, in fact, Van Alen, who was never paid by William Chrysler for the design and who ended up dying without another major commission, does look out of sorts. But it is the most awesome costume we've ever seen. And it's weird to think that the Chrsyler Building was derided by critics when completed, since it's probably a favorite of many New Yorkers.
What do you think of the Chrysler Building? More about the history of the Chrysler Building from City Review, Fortune City and Wikipedia, more photos from Wired NY. Matthew Barney's Cremaster 3 takes place partly in the Chrysler Building. The Chrysler Building isn't open to the public, but you can go into the lobby. Gothamist has been in the elevator and we went on an a tour for an art installation that wound up in the Chrysler Building.
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My dentist is in the Chrysler building (amazing views from the chairs while you get yoru teeth done). I have always been in awe of the elaborate inlaid wood interiors of the elevators. One of my favorite buildings in the city.
My favorite bit of Chrysler Building trivia: It was built at the same time as 40 Wall Street, whose architect was Van Alen's former business partner and current rival. The two buildings were competing for the title of tallest in the world, with both architects adding floors as the buildings were built in order to top (literally) the opposition. Just when the architect of 40 Wall Street (whose name escapes me) thought he had the competition won, Van Alen's team pushed that spire at the top of the building through the roof and took the title. (The Chrysler Building's reign as tallest building in the world was short-lived, though, as the Empire State Building was completed less than a year later.)
Love the Chrysler. Just been in the lobby, but even that's cool.
Always amazed to think that David Chrysler lived on the top floors. Pretty best.
At my old shitty shitty job (eg. Screaming lawyers), the only great thing about it (aside from my cool fellow paras) was the view of the top of the Empire State Building across the street.