The Chrysler Building in Manhattan is set for a major renovation that will restore its iconic Art Deco crown and façade. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
Developer Tishman Speyer has taken over the lease of the Chrysler Building from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
The renovation will include polishing and restoring the building’s crown, as well as work on the 77-storey façade.
Key Facts
- Work will include upgrades to mechanical, elevator, electrical, and air-handling systems.
- The 61st floor, home to eagle gargoyles, will feature an upscale lounge.
- Most of the building will be used for office space.
- Tishman Speyer will make ground lease payments to the Cooper Union.
Background
The Chrysler Building was once the world’s tallest building—before being surpassed by the Empire State Building.
It was financed by Walter Chrysler and designed by architect William Van Alen. The eagle gargoyles were modeled on hood ornaments from the 1929 Chrysler car.
Why It Matters
The renovation comes at a time when office space in Manhattan’s central district is scarce.
Tishman Speyer says the neighborhood has one of the lowest office availability rates in the city. It has seen little new construction for decades.
The developer plans to use a ‘prebuild approach’ to allow firms to move into new offices quickly.
What’s Next
The Cooper Union will use lease payments to fund a plan to restore full-tuition scholarships for all undergraduates.
Cooper Union President Steven McLaughlin said: ‘The significance of this agreement is ultimately about what it makes possible for generations of Cooper Union students.’
The project marks a key step in preserving a landmark building while adapting it for modern use.
For more on Manhattan’s architecture, see the original BBC report.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Chrysler building door detail crown.jpg by Chris Sampson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
