CHRYSLER BUILDING FOR SALE
In the episode “American Built: Chrystler Building”, Doocy sits with Walter Chrysler’s grandson, famous architects, engineers and historians describing the sacrifice and soul that were invested in the iconic Art Deco-style skyscraper in eastern Manhattan.
“There was a frenzy all over that time,” said Aaron Betsky, director of the Virginia Tech School of Architecture. others were looking to build the world’s tallest construction. “
“He threw the plans in the trash, ” said Betsky. “He took a look at the design and said “it’s too conservative.”
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“Chrysler has manufactured some of the most sumptuous and eye-catching cars in the world. Your skyscraper will have to capture that sense of Chrysler style,” Doocy said.
Chrysler reportedly ordered Van Alen to “Give it back…” modern”, however, its updated design for a skyscraper of more than 900 feet would go against New York’s zoning statutes, bringing it back to the starting point.
Eventually, Chrysler and Van Alen settled on a structure with a five-story base and an intricate upper facade, making it the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework and the eighth tallest in the city.
The construction represented not only “a natural height,” Betsky explained, “but a new attitude about what a skyscraper looks like.”