Chrysler Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chrysler Building |
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The Chrysler Building in May 2009
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| Record height | |
| Tallest in the world from May 27, 1930 to May 1, 1931 | |
| Preceded by | 40 Wall Street |
| Surpassed by | Empire State Building |
| General information | |
| Type | Office |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | 405 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan, New York 10174 U.S. |
| Coordinates | 40°45′06″N 73°58′31″W / 40.75167°N 73.97528°W |
| Construction started | January 21, 1929 |
| Topped-out | October 23, 1929 |
| Completed | May 27, 1930 |
| Opened | May 27, 1930 |
| Owner | Land: Cooper Union Building: SIGNA Group and RFR Holding LLC |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 1,046 ft (319 m) |
| Roof | 925 ft (282 m) |
| Top floor | 899 ft (274 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 77 |
| Floor area | 1,196,958 sq ft (111,201.0 m2) |
| Lifts/elevators | 32 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Van Alen |
| Structural engineer | Ralph Squire & Sons |
| Main contractor | Fred T Ley & Co |
| Designated | December 8, 1976 |
| Reference no. | 76001237 |
| Designated | December 8, 1976 |
| Reference no. | 76001237 |
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Invalid designation
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| Designated | June 23, 1980 |
| Reference no. | 06101.001565 |
| Designated | September 12, 1978 |
| Reference no. | 0992 |
| Designated entity | Facade |
| Designated | September 12, 1978 |
| Reference no. | 0996 |
| Designated entity | Interior: Lobby |
The Chrysler Building is a famous Art Deco skyscraper in New York City. It stands tall on the east side of Manhattan, where 42nd Street meets Lexington Avenue.
This amazing building is 1,046 ft (319 m) (about 319 meters) high. It is the tallest brick building in the world that has a steel frame inside. When it was finished in 1930, it was the tallest building in the world for 11 months. As of 2019, it is the 12th-tallest building in New York City.
The idea for the building first came from a real estate developer named William H. Reynolds. But it was Walter Chrysler, the head of the Chrysler car company, who took over the project. He paid for the building himself as an investment for his children. It was not meant to be the main office for the Chrysler Corporation.
Building the Chrysler Building was part of a big race. Other buildings like 40 Wall Street and the Empire State Building were also trying to become the world's tallest. The Chrysler Building was sold by the Chrysler family in 1953 and has had many owners since then.
When the Chrysler Building first opened, people had different opinions about its look. Some thought it was strange, while others loved its modern style. Today, many people see it as a perfect example of Art Deco architecture. In 2007, it was named one of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.
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About the Location
The Chrysler Building is located on the east side of Lexington Avenue. It is between 42nd and 43rd streets in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The land it sits on was given to Cooper Union in 1902.
The building's shape is a bit like a trapezoid. It has a long side facing Lexington Avenue. The building even has its own ZIP Code, 10174. This is special because only 41 buildings in Manhattan have their own ZIP Codes.
Other important buildings are nearby. The Grand Hyatt New York hotel and the Graybar Building are across Lexington Avenue. The Socony–Mobil Building is across 42nd Street.
Building History
The Chrysler Building was designed by architect William Van Alen. Construction started on September 19, 1928. At that time, many tall skyscrapers were being built in New York City. Everyone wanted to build the tallest one.
The building was built very quickly, with about four floors added each week. Even with this fast pace, no workers died during its construction.
Early Design Ideas
Van Alen's first design for the building was different. It included a fancy glass crown that looked like a jewel. The lower part of the building would have had very tall showroom windows. The corners of the top 12 floors were planned to be wrapped in glass. This would have made the tower look like it was floating.
The first design was also planned to be 246 meters (807 ft) tall. But the building contractor, William H. Reynolds, thought it was too modern and too expensive. So, the design was sold to Walter Chrysler.
Walter Chrysler worked with Van Alen to change the design. They added more stories, making it 282 m (925 ft) tall. Since Walter Chrysler led the Chrysler car company, many parts of the building look like car parts. For example, the gargoyles are like the hood ornaments of Chrysler cars. This shows the "machine age" style of the 1920s.
How It Was Built
Construction began on September 19, 1928. Workers used 391,881 rivets to hold the steel frame together. They also laid about 3,826,000 bricks by hand for the outer walls. Many experts, including contractors and engineers, worked together to build it.
The very top part of the building, called the spire, came in four pieces. On October 23, 1929, the first piece was lifted to the top. The other pieces were then lifted and attached in just 90 minutes.
Finishing the Building
The Chrysler Building was finished on May 27, 1930. With its tall spire, it became the tallest building in the world. It was taller than 40 Wall Street and even the Eiffel Tower. It was the first building made by people to be taller than 1,000 feet (305 m).
However, its record didn't last long. Less than a year later, on May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building became the new tallest building. But the Chrysler Building is still the tallest steel-supported brick building in the world.
Building Design
The Chrysler Building is a great example of Art Deco architecture. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It uses bold shapes and rich decorations.
You can see eagles on the corners of the 61st floor. On the 31st floor, there are decorations that look like the radiator caps from 1929 Chrysler cars. The building is made of brick and stone, with a strong steel frame inside. It has 3,862 windows on its sides.
Inside, there are 32 elevators made by the Otis Elevator Company. The building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. It also became a New York City Landmark in 1978.
When the building first opened, there was a public viewing area on the 71st floor. People could go there to see the city. This viewing area closed in 1945. Now, the 71st floor is the highest floor that people use in the building.
The top of the building has special lights. Some lights are V-shaped and built into the steel. Other floodlights shine back onto the building. This allows the top to be lit up in many colors for special events.
Famous Appearances
The Chrysler Building has been in many movies set in New York City. It is a very recognizable part of the city's skyline.
In 2005, the Skyscraper Museum asked 100 experts to pick their favorite New York City towers. The Chrysler Building was chosen as the number one favorite. About 90% of the experts put it in their top 10 list.
The unique shape of the Chrysler Building has inspired other tall buildings around the world. Examples include One Liberty Place in Philadelphia and the Al Kazim Towers in Dubai.
Photo Gallery
Other pages
Images for kids
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The building's distinctive Art Deco crown and spire
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The lower walls are clad with white brick, interrupted by white-marble bands in a manner similar to a basket weaving.
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View from one of the north-facing triangular windows
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The Chrysler Building from the Empire State Building, both erected as part of New York City's 1920s building boom
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Chrysler Building from The SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt with the United Nations headquarters in the background
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One of the radiator cap–themed ornaments
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Height comparison of buildings in New York City
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The Chrysler Building seen from ground level
See also
In Spanish: Edificio Chrysler para niños
