Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building, designed by architect William van Alen,  is one of New York's most famous landmarks. It stands at a height of 1,064 feet tall. It was completed in 1930, during a time when people were scrambling to create the highest building in New York. Originally, the Bank of Manhatten Trust Company was going to be at least 60 feet taller, but at the last minute the building crew took 90 minutes to crown this monument with a slim spire that spiked the building into the the number one spot. Unfortunately, the title of "tallest building in New York" only lasted people completed the nearby Empire State building only a few months later.
The Chrysler building is decorated in an Art Deco style, with sharp angles and points, and Chrysler, the patron, wanted it to make "a bold structure declaring the glories of the modern age". When it was finished, he dedicated it to "world commerce and industry". The inside and outside gleam with granite, marble, and nickle, and there are statues of eagles on the 61st floor and gargoyles on the 59th floor. The gargoyles actually sit on top of winged radiator caps, yet another example of the car-themed decorum. The top is uniquely designed with stainless steel curves and triangles, and is very recognizable.

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~1930s/display/chrysler/frame-1.html

 http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1638&ResourceType=Building

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/chrysler.html