Car Rental New York City and the Chrysler Building

Whether you have seen it in pictures, on television or have viewed it through the window of your New York car rental, the Chrysler building is truly a site to see! The New York skyline has become one of the most recognized in the world and the Chrysler Building has contributed to this, defining itself as a distinctive symbol of New York City. As you make your way in your New York car rental to the east side of Manhattan, at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, you cannot help but notice the Chrysler Building which stands at 1,048 feet, the first in the world to surpass the 1000 foot threshold!

Chrysler Building History

Originally built for the Chrysler Corporation in 1930 and designed by William Van Allen, the Chrysler building was erected during a time when there was stiff competition to build the world’s tallest skyscraper. Wanting to keep-up with the pace of surrounding builders, the building was constructed at an average rate of four floors per week! At one point, over 3000 construction workers were simultaneously working on the site! It was beat out however by H. Craig Severance’s 40 Wall Street building, known today as Trump Building, who topped his building off by adding an extra two feet. Van Allen was not to be outdone. Much to the surprise of many, Van Allen secretly obtained permission to build a 125 foot (38.1m) stainless steel spire, which was constructed in secrecy inside the building. By the time it was revealed and hoisted on October 23, 1929, the Chrysler building became not only the tallest building in the world, but also the tallest structure! Although the title was short lived you will still marvel at that stunning design and stature when you drive by it in your New York car rental.

Chrysler Building Architecture

One of the things that draws people in their New York car rental to this spectaulcar structure is the stunning architecture. The Chrysler Building is an example of Art Deco architecture. It is also arguably the best example of the Art Deco period of New York architecture, which is noted as the most beautiful period of development of buildings in the city. Van Allen's original facade treatment called for a Middle Eastern-like patterning of its white, gray and black brickwork. And although it is hard to make out if your are sitting in your New York car rental, Chrysler had Van Allen incorporate some decorative designs associated with automobiles on the facades, namely hubcaps near the top that were at the time being used on Chrysler automobiles! Also included in the unique design are stainless steel eagle gargoyles, two at each of the shaft's four major corners. Stainless steel Chrysler-like hood ornaments also serve as ceremonial winged urns.

Unfortunately, the hubcaps and other details adorned on the building such as the eagles and hood ornament decorations are barely noticeable from the street, however, to get a sense of the intricacy you can venture into the lobby where you will find magnificent marbles and interesting ceiling murals. Over 446,000 tiles were used and 112,000 square feet of marble!

Visit the Chrysler Building

Visit the Chrysler Building during your New York car rental visit. This is one destination that will not be hard to find! Located in midtown Manhattan and boarding along three streets, you can access the Chrysler building from East 42nd Street, East 43rd Street, or Lexington Avenue. This is not only a building, but a true piece of art!

Check out the Brooklyn car rental All Car Rent a Car location at 610 Warren St., Brooklyn, NY 11217