Chrysler Celebrates 75 Years of a New York Landmark

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June 01, 2005
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Chrysler Celebrates 75 Years of a New York Landmark

NEW YORK - The Chrysler name has always been synonymous with bold, timeless design. As New York City's most distinctive Art Deco skyscraper, the Chrysler Building, owned by Tishman Speyer Properties, celebrates its 75th birthday on Friday it only makes sense that the automotive company that shares its name should sponsor the Art Deco Society gala.

The Art Deco Society gala, held in the brilliantly restored lobby of the Chrysler Building, comes in the midst of Art Deco Week in New York; seven days of receptions, building tours, lectures and seminars during the 8th World Congress on Art Deco sponsored by the Art Deco Society of New York.

"New York City is clearly one of the preeminent Art Deco cities in the world," explained Kathy Hausman of the society. "Over the decades the Chrysler Building has gradually become the city's most admired example of Art Deco architecture and one of its most universally recognized landmarks. We think it's terrific that this iconic skyscraper should celebrate a significant milestone during our special week."

Commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler, the building opened its doors on May 27, 1930. Chrysler, whose first car made its debut in 1924 at the New York Auto Show, also had his personal offices in the city. He conceived the building as family business independent of the auto industry, and decided the city was the perfect stage for an exuberant architectural statement. He took a direct role in both the design and engineering of the building, including its signature cap.

"Walter P. Chrysler was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking by taking risks," said Jeff Bell, Vice President Chrysler Brand Chrysler Group. "His spirit lives in our willingness to take educated risks today -- we believe the boldness of the Chrysler Building's design is reflected in breakthrough products like the Airflow, the minivan, the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Ram.

Under Tishman Speyer Properties' ownership, the stainless steel masterpiece that is the Chrysler Building has seen its 1930s grandeur expanded, renovated and transformed into a modern 1.99 million square foot office center. During the extensive renovations to the Chrysler Building that began in 1998, Tishman Speyer Properties focused on the preservation of the classic features, painstaking repair and restoration of the landmark facade and state-of-the-art improvement of the interior systems and mechanics. For its companion property, Chrysler East, the focus was on refreshing its street presence with glass cladding and reaching out to its neighbor with added square footage, creating compelling new spaces with dramatic views of the Chrysler Building's Art Deco details.

"As one of the enduring iconic symbols of New York City, the Chrysler Building stands as a testament to the great promise of this city," said Rob Speyer, Senior Managing Director of Tishman Speyer Properties. "It was meant to be bigger and better than anything else, and that is the exact attitude that has always been the fuel that powers New York."

The Chrysler Center today retains the best of its one-of-a-kind architectural treasure, while updating the property for the 21st century, thus ensuring its continued appeal. As a result, it remains an integral part of the New York skyline, but also an internationally recognized symbol of human accomplishment and potential. A mix of the company's automotive designs will be displayed Friday between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Lexington Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets. The day's festivities will be capped by a gala dinner party in the Chrysler Building's lobby.

(May 27, 2005)

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