Chrysler Building Spire and Facade Restoration New York, New York

Walter P Chrysler, the building was the tallest of its time when completed in 1929, and represented the first time stainless steel had been used as a cladding material on a major commercial building Over time, however, the building suffered deterioration through the effects of weather airbor, ne pollutants, and construc -

15-B Chrysler Building, 1926–1930 - ECLKC

The Chrysler Building was the irst building in the world to tower more than 1,000 feet above the ground 15-B 4 above left, detail Thirty-irst loor decoration based on radiator cap and hubcap designs Photograph by Scott Murphy, Ambient Images, Inc 15-B 5 right, detail Art Deco elevator 15-B 2 above left, detail Steeple of the Chrysler

Chrysler Building: Race to the Sky

S255 Chrysler Building: Race to the Sky 9 49 It teems with the spirit of modernism, it is the epitome of modern business life, it stands for progress in arch-itecture and in modern building methods Kenneth Murchinson, Architectural Critic 50 51 Section Plan/Elevations 52 53 “A thoroughly modern building in every practical detail, the

WILLIAM VAN ALEN 15b The Chrysler Building,1926–1930

THE CHRYSLER BUILDING, 1926–1930,WILLIAM VAN ALEN [1883–1954] 69 DESCRIBE AND ANALYZE INTERPRET E Ask students to locate triangles, squares, rectangles, and semi-circles on the Chrysler Building Semi-circles and triangles are near the top Squares and rectangles form the windows Some of the triangles are windows

completed in 1929, and represented the first time stainless steel had been used as a cladding material on a major commercial

building. Over time, however, the building suffered deterioration through the effects of weather, airborne pollutants, and construc- tion defects in the steel relieving angles. Hoffmann Architects' investigation found deterioration at the brick tower, at masonry supporting ornamental sculptures, and at the stainless steel spire and dome-like tower. The design team also identified areas of displaced brick and of water infiltration

into tenant spaces. To restore the integrity of this important structure, the firm designed and oversaw a program of repairs,

reconstruction, cleaning, and polishing of the spire, facade, and windows, as well as of the various gargoyles, "heads of Mercury," and other unique ornamentation. The brick tower was repaired, repointed, and cleaned. Through Hoffmann Architects' award-winning restoration, the dis- tinctive gleam of this beloved landmark once again greeted the city.