http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=114867

This was the tallest building in the world from 1930 to 1931, when it was surpassed by the Empire State Building. It is still the tallest brick building in the world.

At its completion the Chrysler Building overtook the Tour Eiffel as the world's tallest man-made structure.


Groundbreaking was on September 19, 1928, and opening ceremonies were on May 28, 1930.
- Chrysler asked the architect for a world's tallest building. To beat competitors who were trying the same feat, William van Alen designed a 56 meter (185 foot) spire which was secretly delivered to the site in sections, assembled inside the elevator shaft, and raised to the top in 90 minutes.

The ornaments on the shaft and setbacks allude in different ways to the automobile, with metal hubcaps, gargoyles in the form of radiator caps, car fenders, and hood ornaments.

The eagles which adorn the tower and brightwork above the 61st floor are made of corrosion-resistant Nirosta, an alloy of chrome-nickel steel which was developed by Krupp of Germany.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Building