Today in History—May 27: The Opening of the Chrysler Building

On this day in 1930, history’s fiercest race for the sky crowned a champion with the opening of the 77-story Chrysler Building in New York City. At 1,046 feet, it became the world’s tallest building, overtaking the Eiffel Tower after a nerve-racking final stretch for car company tycoon Walter P. Chrysler, the building’s owner, who was determined to build higher than anyone else ever had.

Walter Chrysler, engineering firm Ralph Squire & Sons, and architect William Van Alen had been racing the Bank of Manhattan Building for the title. But the bank building, constructed in just a year, topped out at a mere 927 feet.

And the Chrysler Building had a secret weapon: a 185-foot, sunburst-patterned, stainless steel spire, added in a matter of hours as the white flag signaled, sealing the win.

Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.

SIGN UP

By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The building officially debuted at the Forty-second Street Property Owners and Merchants’ Association annual meeting, following a public tour and inspection. Guests were treated to sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline—such as existed in 1930—from the 62nd floor.

And the Chrysler Building wasn’t just the tallest, it was among the best dressed. The Art Deco tower sported newly developed rust-resistant chromium nickel steel around windows and entrances, with hubcaps, mudguards, and hood ornament decorations paying homage to the building’s patron. The press called it “the most desirable uptown office building,” with a 14-floor lease by the Texas Company costing $583,000 annually (nearly $12 million today).

Construction began in 1928, with the tower originally planned to reach “only” 808 feet. But after Walter Chrysler took over the lease and the race intensified, the plans grew. Van Alen, competing against a former business partner, went so far as to construct the spire inside the building in order to keep the secret as long as possible.

Lest you think Walter was pleased with Van Alen, the architect was never paid the standard 6 percent fee: Walter accused him of taking kickbacks from contractors, and the two had never actually signed a contract, as Van Alen’s agreement predated Walter’s involvement in the project. The men eventually settled in court.

The building, however, would be outdone by the Empire State Building just four months later.

Famous Birthdays

1819: Julia Ward Howe—American writer, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”

1907: Rachel Carson—American biologist

1923: Henry Kissinger—U.S. political scientist, secretary of state

1975: Jamie Oliver—British chef