Chrysler Building: The Race for NYC's Tallest
The Chrysler Building — my favorite NYC landmark!
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This building is full of interesting stories. As a local tour guide, one of my favorites to tell is about the race between the Chrysler Building and 40 Wall Street to be the world’s tallest building.
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40 Wall Street opened in April 1930 as the winner — until Chrysler Building architect William Van Alen surprised everyone by secretly adding a 125-foot spire. When it opened in May 1930, it was the world’s tallest building.
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Not only that, but the story goes that Walter P. Chrysler had a private top floor apartment that featured Manhattan’s highest bathroom, as he wanted to be the king of his thrown!
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Photo taken at @SUMMITOV. 🏙 What is your favorite historic building? #BeyondTheGuidebook