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Description
For a year, the tallest building in New York City -- and in the world -- was the Chrysler Building, which was designed by William van Alen and built from 1928 to 1930 in the Art Deco style, with the top shaped like automobile radiators to echo the skyscraper's affiliation. No workers died during construction, but another disaster almost happened when H. Craig Severance's skyscraper at 40 Wall Street looked like it would be taller than the Chrysler Building. Mr. van Alen therefore ordered the secret construction of a 125-foot spire, which was assembled inside the building and then lifted into position, making the Chrysler Building 1046 feet tall, with the top floor 900 feet above the ground. A year later, the Empire State Building took the height record, but the Chrysler Building is still the tallest steel-supported brick building in the world, and is popular with architects and tourists. As crowded as the midtown Manhattan skyline is, there was enough clear space on 42nd Street for me to see the top of the Chrysler Building, including the radiators and gargoyles.

Description
For a year, the tallest building in New York City -- and in the world -- was the Chrysler Building, which was designed by William van Alen and built from 1928 to 1930 in the Art Deco style, with the top shaped like automobile radiators to echo the skyscraper's affiliation. No workers died during construction, but another disaster almost happened when H. Craig Severance's skyscraper at 40 Wall Street looked like it would be taller than the Chrysler Building. Mr. van Alen therefore ordered the secret construction of a 125-foot spire, which was assembled inside the building and then lifted into position, making the Chrysler Building 1046 feet tall, with the top floor 900 feet above the ground. A year later, the Empire State Building took the height record, but the Chrysler Building is still the tallest steel-supported brick building in the world, and is popular with architects and tourists. As crowded as the midtown Manhattan skyline is, there was enough clear space on 42nd Street for me to see the top of the Chrysler Building, including the radiators and gargoyles.