New York City with children: The Chrysler Building
by KFFVMom
(kid-friendly-family-vacations.com)
Chrysler Building
Back in the early 1900’s, there was a competition in New York City. A race was on to build the highest skyscraper not just in the state but in the world. It was during this era that the construction of one of the city’s finest architecture was started. The Chrysler Building designed by William Van Alen for Walter P. Chrysler’s project tower was to begin its ground breaking that time.
Its original design was supposed to be 807 feet in height together with all the intricate glass décor to make it look like a floating jewel crown. William Reynolds, who was then the building contractor declined to get on the project and decided that it was too costly and advanced for him. Walter P. Chrysler then bought the design and worked with the architect to redesign the plan and add more stories, making the final project for the construction stand at 925 feet high. He intended the building to be his company’s corporate headquarters, thus having designs patterned after Chrysler accessories for automobiles.
In May 1930, the Chrysler Building was completed and became the tallest in the world. It had a viewing gallery up on its 71st storey which is now closed to the public. It offers beautiful skyline views of New York and houses a display of its first tool kit. After a year though, it surpassed in terms of height by Empire State. The building’s ownership has changed in the following decades when it was sold by Chrysler to Goldman and DiLorenzo who are both in the real estate business.
When it underwent renovation in 1978, its lobby and facade were refurbished and the ownership was passed on to an investor in Washington, D.C. named Jack K. Cooke the following year. After several restoration projects for its spire in 1995, the building was bought for $200 million together with the Kent Building on 42nd and Lexington by Travelers Insurance and Tishman Speyer. In the early 2000’s, 75% of the building’s stake was sold to TMW. Abu Dhabi Investment went on to negotiate the purchase of that stake from TMW and another 15% share from Tishman Speyer. The transactions with the investment council pushed through making it 90% owner of the structure.
Chrysler Building is one Art Deco masterpiece with its distinct design inside and out. It was named as a historic landmark in New York in 1976. It now stands at 1046 feet and has 77 stories. This structure has also appeared in many Hollywood films, music videos and was even made a replica in video games such as Parasite Eve. When visiting the building, take note that the building hours are from 8AM to 6PM on weekdays except on Federal Holidays. Visitors can only go as far as the building lobby to admire the Chrysler’s Art deco details and the stunning ceiling mural made by Edward Trumbull. The structure’s exact location is at 405 Lexington. Admission to this building is free of charge. There is no further access for visitors in the lobby to the other parts for the building that are leased to businesses.
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