Its seventy-seven floors and stainless steel spire made the Chrysler Building for a short time the tallest building in the world at 1,046 feet. It was constructed between 1928 and 1930 by Walter Chrysler (1875–1940) as company headquarters for the Chrysler Corporation. With its steel frame, the Chrysler Building is a "set-back" skyscraper (see entry under 1930s—The Way We Lived in volume 2), so called because each "stage" is slightly narrower than the one below, creating ledges at intervals all the way up. Its familiar stainless steel arcs, decorative masonry, and overhanging eagles are an instantly recognizable part of the New York skyline.

Architect William van Alen (1882–1954) finished off the building in dramatic style. He had the entire top section constructed out of sight and lifted into position in under two hours. The building is now considered one of the best examples of the "Art Deco" style and an icon...