The brick tower was repaired, repointed, and cleaned. To restore the integrity of this important structure, the firm designed and oversaw a program of repairs, reconstruction, cleaning, and polishing of the spire, facade, and windows, as well as of the various gargoyles, “heads of Mercury,” and other unique ornamentation. The design team also identified areas of displaced brick and of water infiltration into tenant spaces. Reynolds hired William Van Alen to design the worlds tallest building for a site leased at the northeast corner of Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street, across from Grand Central Station. The Chrysler Building is widely heralded as an Art Deco icon. The 1,046-foot Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world from 1930 to 1931 and was part of an intense race for this title. In 2007, the building ranked ninth among 150 buildings in the AIA's List of America's Favorite Architecture. Hoffmann Architects’ investigation found deterioration at the brick tower, at masonry supporting ornamental sculptures, and at the stainless steel spire and dome-like tower. The Chrysler Building came in first place, with 90 respondents placing it on their ballots. Over time, however, the building suffered deterioration through the effects of weather, airborne pollutants, and construction defects in the steel relieving angles. Chrysler, the building was the tallest of its time when completed in 1929, and represented the first time stainless steel had been used as a cladding material on a major commercial building.
Moses Preservation Awardĭesigned by architect William Van Alen for industrial magnate Walter P.