Chrysler Building turns 75
The 77-story Chrysler Building, a prominent feature of the New York City skyline since 1930, celebrates its 75th anniversary today, May 27, 2005. To honor the occasion, the United State Postal Service has issued a commemorative stamp featuring the notable landmark. Commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler and designed Brooklyn architect William Van Alen, the building remains a timeless homage to Americas enduring automotive legacy. Built from more than 3.8 million bricks, 20'961 tons of steel, and held together with almost 400000 rivets, the building at one time dominated the citys skyline and held the distinction of worlds tallest at 1046 feet. The honor was short lived, however, when in 1931, the Empire State Building rose 204 feet above it. Some of the buildings more distinctive features are its massive steel wings that jut out from the 31st floor and its eight eagle gargoyles on the 61st floor styled after 1929 Chrysler hood ornaments.