| Vocabulary |
surpass-
to exceed |
| threshold- the level at which an event or change occurs |
| spire- tapering structure on the top of a building, usually on churches |
| Art Deco- A highly geometric style used in Europe and the USA in 1925-40 |
| skyscraper- A very tall building |
| William Van Alen -American architect who designed the Chrysler Building |
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What do the Chrysler Building and the Chrysler Car Corporation have in
common? Well, just like cars, the Chrysler Building was in a race; a race
to see which building became the tallest building in New York City. The
race was between the Chrysler Building vs. The Empire State Building. The
Chrysler Building won the race, but it only lasted for a year. After a
year, the Empire State Building was built and took the lead as the tallest
building in New York City. The Chrysler Building was also the first building
to surpass the 1,000 foot threshold. This building became
so famous that movie makers and directors had the idea to put the Chrysler
Building into their scripts. Godzilla, Annie, Spiderman: The Animated Series,
Batman, and a lot of other movies included the Chrysler Building. The Chrysler
Building stands at 1,046 ft. tall from ground to the top of the spire.
It is used today as a office building. It is co-owned by TMW Real Estate
and Tishman Speyer Properties. Groundbreaking started on September 19,
1928. It was finished on October 23, 1929. The height from the roof is
925 ft., and the height from the top floor is 899 ft. The 61st floor is
graced with eagles. The architect, William Van Alen, had already secretly
placed a 125 foot spire, making the Chrysler Building the second tallest
building in New York City, of course, behind the Empire State Building.
This building has 77 floors and 32 elevators! Imagine how big it must be!
http://k53.pbase.com/v3/14/577014/1/46730384.P1000534.jpg
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