| The Chrysler building was built amid a 'skyscraper war' then raging in New York City. Walter P. Chrysler wanted his building to be
especially memorable, one that would not merely 'scrape the sky but positively pierce it'. After many last minute design changes, the architect, William van Allen secretly acquired permits from the city for the unique 7-storey tall stainless steel spire. The spire was secretly constructed inside the building and then hoisted into position through an opening in the roof. The hoisting and anchoring of the spire took only 90 minutes; one moment just another tall building among the many; the next, the world's tallest building!
The honor was to be very brief,
however, for the Empire State building, construction of which was completed in an incredible 15 months, soon took
away that honor.
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The Chrysler building is considered by many to be the most beautiful skyscraper in the world. Metal-clad with its unique stainless steel spire, it has glistened nightly out shining its rival - the Empire State Building. Even when the twin towers of the World Trade Center went up a half century later, the beautifully lit
Chrysler Building stood out like a star in the center of midtown Manhattan.
Messrs. Chrysler and van Allen had a falling out and, as far as is know, Mr. Chrysler never paid Mr. van Allen. But the honor was still his. Though he never designed another skyscraper he did render successive buildings, most commercial, some residential and mostly in steel.
Some interesting web
sites: www.LucidDreams.com;
www.greatbuildings.com
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