Celebrating the Chrysler Building’s Complicated, 90-Year History
Secrets, rivalries, and a race to build the tallest tower—here’s how New York’s beloved Chrysler Building came to be.
Ninety years ago today, architect William Van Alen stood at the foot of the newly-erected Chrysler Building, marveling at what had then just become the tallest building in the world. At over 1,000 feet and 77-stories tall, the skyscraper has become an Art Deco icon, but it was at the center of controversy from the moment it was completed. Not only was it build rapidly—and dangerously—at the time, but many criticized the over-the-top design, and thought the edifice scarred New York's existing skyline. From a bitter rival between two architects, to a race—quite literally—to the top, click through for a look behind the curtains of one of the world’s most renown buildings.
New York State Senator William Reynolds commissioned architect Willian Van Alen to design a tower in New York's Turtle Bay.
While Van Alen spent over a year designing a building to replace the existing five-story structure, he later discovered that Reynolds had only commissioned him to draw up designs in order to increase the value of the existing building's lease.
Walter P. Chrysler, left, eventually bought the building from Reynolds.
He then commissioned Van Alen to design a building that would be taller than anything else in New York City. In June of 1928, they settled on a 67-story-tall structure.
Then, a past rivalry reemerged.
Van Alen's former design partner, architect H. Craig Severance, was commissioned at the same time to design a tower for the Manhattan Company on Wall Street. When Severance caught wind of Van Alen's plans (they were made public in March of 1929), he was determined to build something even taller.
A Secret Decision
In order to defeat Severance in the battle for the tallest building, Van Alen then added an additional 10 stories to the architectural plans for the Chrysler Building. Van Alen and Chrysler kept their decision a secret.
But Severance heard about the Chrysler Building's new additions and added five more stories to his building on 40 Wall Street, pictured here.
Unfortunately, he underestimated Van Alen and Chrysler, who were preparing to add a 860-foot metal spire to the top of the Chrysler Building to increase its height.
A 27-ton steel spire—to be placed atop the Chrysler Building—was then constructed in secret.
Once added, the Chrysler Building officially became the tallest building in the world.
Here, William Van Alen is pictured with his wife at the Beaux Arts Ball in New York City.
Rivalries, risks, and secrets aside, both 40 Wall Street (pictured) and The Chrysler Building are listed as historic landmarks.
Everybody wins.
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
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