Latest news with #ChryslerBuilding
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New York's Chrysler Building Is Back on the Market
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The Chrysler Building, one of the most iconic and recognizable skyscrapers in New York City's skyline, is up for sale once again. Back in January, a New York state judge effectively evicted owners RFR Holdings, a real estate investment firm, from the building after not paying their rent. Now, Cooper Union, a private arts and science college that owns the land underneath the skyscraper, has hired British real estate firm Savills to oversee the sale, according to Time Out. Completed in 1930, the Chrysler Building briefly held the title of world's tallest building for 11 months. It stands 1,046 feet tall, with 77 floors. (The Empire State Building, just a few blocks away, surpassed the Chrysler Building as the world's tallest in 1931, standing at 1,250 feet tall, not including its antenna.) Designed by architect William Van Alen, it was commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler as a symbol of the Chrysler Corporation, with its stainless steel spire and ornamented crown. Ownership of the building has changed hands a few times already, for as much as $800 million in 2008 when the government of Abu Dhabi bought a 90% stake in the tower. But then it sold for a shockingly low fraction of the cost at $150 million in 2019 to co-owners Signa, an Austrian real estate company, and RFR, a New York-based development firm. But in 2024, according to the New York Times, Signa filed for insolvency, and an Austrian court ruled that it would have to sell its share of the building. Cooper Union and Savills aren't disclosing the new price tag for the Chrysler Building just yet. Even with astronomical property costs in Manhattan right now, it's questionable how much Savills might be able to fetch. The aformentioned NYT report paints a more dilapidated picture inside of the shining structure on the outside, with tenants complaining about 'bad cell service, the lack of natural sunlight, elevator troubles, murky water coming out of fountains, and pest infestations.' You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Manhattanhenge 2025: Where and when to see New York's famous solar alignment
New Yorkers and visitors will have four chances this year to witness Manhattanhenge , a striking natural event where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west streets. This year, the spectacle first occurs on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, peaking at 8:13 p.m., with a second show on May 29. It returns again on July 11 and 12, creating a stunning contrast of sun and skyscrapers across Manhattan. Manhattanhenge draws growing crowds annually, some so large they fill the streets. The event is a mix of science and spectacle, attracting both astronomy enthusiasts and photographers hoping to capture the iconic glow. Jackie Faherty, an astronomer at the American Museum of Natural History who calculates the dates each year, calls it 'astronomy in your face' — a 'huge science party that will occur in the city.' Why Manhattanhenge happens Manhattan's strict grid system, designed in the 1800s, lines up roughly north to south and east to west. Twice a year, the setting sun aligns exactly with these east-west streets. This happens because Earth's tilted axis causes the sun's setting position to shift daily. In spring, the sun sets further north each day, then swings back south after the summer solstice around June 20. Manhattanhenge's dates fall on either side of this solstice, allowing two viewing windows each year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Faherty explains, 'It pingpongs between solstices… because we're going around the sun, like doing loops around a track.' This alignment turns New York's urban canyons into a natural amphitheatre for spectacular sunsets. Key dates and what to expect The first set of dates this year is May 28 and 29, with sunsets visible at 8:13 p.m. and 8:12 p.m. respectively. July 11 and 12 mark the second chance. On May 28 and July 12, viewers will see the sun's top half aligned with the streets. On May 29 and July 11, the entire sun is visible framed by skyscrapers before it dips below the horizon. Live Events Clouds may affect visibility, particularly on May 28, when near-total cloud cover and rain are expected. Thursday, May 29 offers better chances with possible breaks in the clouds. July typically has clearer skies, increasing the odds for a full view. Best places to watch Popular viewing spots include wide east-west streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets. The Tudor City overpass at 42nd Street offers a great view of the Chrysler Building, while the Park Avenue Viaduct near Grand Central is a favourite for photographers, though access is restricted and police often manage crowds there. Faherty advises, 'You have to be in the middle of the street to fully appreciate it,' but urges safety above all. Other notable places include uptown locations like 145th Street and Queens' Hunters Point, which provide less conventional but striking views. The origins of Manhattanhenge The phenomenon likely caught the eye of New Yorkers since the city's grid was laid out. However, the term 'Manhattanhenge' was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2002. Inspired by the ancient Stonehenge monument in England, Tyson noticed a similar alignment of the sun in Manhattan — framed not by stones but by steel and glass skyscrapers. Since then, Manhattanhenge has gained popularity as an annual urban celebration of astronomy and nature's rhythm. A related event, called Reverse Manhattanhenge, occurs in November and January when the sun rises along the east-west streets, mainly affecting boroughs like the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. These dates are harder to pinpoint because of varied topography and urban obstacles. Plus, colder weather and cloudier skies mean fewer spectators turn out.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Art Deco Girl Names That Radiate Vintage Glamour Charisma
If you've ever admired the sleek, glamorous vibe of The Great Gatsby or wandered through buildings with intricate geometric patterns and metallic finishes (the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building are two of the best-known examples!), you've experienced the magic of Art Deco. A design movement that gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a sense of modern elegance. Art Deco was all about embracing the future while still honoring the past, blending both with a touch of glam that made everything from architecture to fashion feel sophisticated. And its easily-recognizable mix of sharp lines and soft curves showed just how harmoniously different things can work together. But Art Deco wasn't just about high style — it was also, in itself, a whole vibe. It was a reflection of the time, catching the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. It was the era of extravagance, jazz, and a new kind of optimism, which is exactly why Art Deco had such staying power. Think about the sleek lines of a vintage car, the glitter of a jazz club, or the elegance of a 1920s ballroom — the style was as much about setting trends as it was about making a statement. We've put together this list of girl names inspired by the Art Deco era that embody the same sense of boldness, refinement, and timeless elegance. Each name is a nod to an aesthetic — but also a reflection of the sophistication and strength that defined the period. If you're looking for a girl name that's chic, glamorous, and full of character, you've come to the right era. More from SheKnows The Newest List of Most Popular Baby Names Was Just Released - See What's Topping the Charts Now Best of SheKnows There's Something So Beautiful About the Bond Between Brothers Tween & Teen Slang 2025: A Definitive Guide to 'What the Hellyante' Your Kid Is Saying Right Now Celebrity Moms Who Were Honest About Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss — Because It Matters The meaning of Athena remains uncertain, but the name is most famously tied to the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who also served as the patron deity of Athens. It's believed that her name likely originated from the city, rather than the city being named after her. Zara first appeared in William Congreve's 1697 tragedy The Mourning Bride, where it was the name of a captive North African queen. It's believed that Congreve may have drawn inspiration from the Arabic name Zahra, meaning 'shining' or 'brilliant.' In 1736, the name gained popularity when English writer Aaron Hill used it as a translation for Zaïre in his adaptation of Voltaire's French play Zaïre. Lenore is derived from the Old French version of the Occitan name Alienòr, and its roots stretch back to one of history's most powerful women: Eleanor of Aquitaine. As the 12th-century queen of both France and England, Eleanor wielded immense influence, and was initially named Aenor after her mother. To distinguish her from her mother, she was known by the Occitan phrase alia Aenor, meaning 'the other Aenor.' Opal comes from the English word for the iridescent gemstone, a dazzling birthstone for those born in October — but it's beautiful any time of year! The name itself traces back to the Sanskrit word उपल (upala), meaning 'jewel,' capturing the essence of something precious and radiant, and it's a vintage gem that's poised to make a comeback. Vera is a name that means 'faith' in Russian, carrying a sense of deep and unwavering strength. It's said to stem from the Latin word verus, meaning 'true.' With its simple yet striking sound, Vera channels the clean lines and timeless sophistication of the Art Deco era. Maeve is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Medb, which means 'intoxicating,' evoking a sense of allure and power. In Irish legend, it was the name of the legendary warrior queen of Connacht — known for her fierce leadership and commanding presence. Eloise originates from the Old French name Héloïse, which itself is likely derived from the Germanic name Helewidis — combining the elements heil, meaning 'healthy' or 'whole,' and wit, meaning 'wide.' This timeless name is sometimes linked to the Greek word ἥλιος (helios), meaning 'sun,' symbolizing light and brilliance. Greta is a short form of Margaret, which originates from the Latin name Margarita, itself derived from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarites), meaning 'pearl.' It's got a classic silver screen vibe and glamorous feel. Vivienne is the French form of Vivian, which is derived from the Latin word vivus, meaning 'alive.' This vibrant name carries an aura of energy and vitality, with a bit of sultry sophistication mixed in. Daphne comes from the Greek word for 'laurel,' a symbol of honor and achievement. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree by her father to escape the relentless pursuit of Apollo, making her a figure of strength and independence. Clara is the feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus, which means 'clear,' 'bright,' or 'famous.' This name radiates elegance and brilliance, perfectly capturing the luminous charm of the Art Deco era. Iris means 'rainbow' in Greek, and in Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess who personified the rainbow and served as a messenger to the gods. The name also connects to both the vibrant iris flower and the colored part of the eye, symbolizing both beauty and clarity. Genevieve is said to be derived from the medieval name Genovefa, and its origins are somewhat uncertain. It may be derived from the Germanic elements kunją ('clan' or 'family') and wībą ('wife' or 'woman'), or it could trace back to Gaulish roots, with the Celtic element genos meaning 'kin' or 'family.' One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, meaning 'sorrows,' which originates from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores ('Our Lady of Sorrows'). Although the name carries a solemn meaning, Lola has taken on a lively and glamorous persona, especially since its rise in popularity during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and '30s. Celeste is the feminine form of Caelestis, a Late Latin name derived from the word caelum, which means 'heaven' or 'sky.' This name evokes the celestial beauty of the stars, carrying with it a sense of elegance and grace that makes it a perfect Art Deco name. Esme comes from the Old French word meaning 'esteemed' or 'loved,' which is the sweetest name meaning we can think of! With its elegant simplicity and gentle sound, Esme evokes the refined sophistication of the Art Deco era, where beauty and grace were celebrated. Gisele is derived from the Old German element gisal, meaning 'hostage' or 'pledge.' Originally (and sadly!) it may have been a descriptive nickname for a child who was pledged to a foreign court. Fortunately for modern times, though, it's just a beautiful name choice. Delilah comes from the Hebrew word meaning 'delicate,' 'weak,' or 'languishing.' In the Old Testament, Delilah was the lover of the powerfully strong Samson, whom she betrayed by cutting his hair — the source of all his strength — leading to his downfall. Despite the complexities of her character, the name Delilah gained popularity among the Puritans in the 17th century. With its sultry sound and dramatic history, Delilah perfectly captures the bold, glamorous spirit of the Art Deco era. Marceline is the glamorous-sounding French feminine form of a name derived from Marcus, a Roman praenomen (given name) which likely originates from the Roman god Mars — the deity of war and strength. Yvette is the beautiful French feminine form of Ivo, a Germanic name that originally served as a short form for names beginning with the element iwa, meaning 'yew.' The yew tree, known for its longevity and strength, symbolizes resilience and endurance. Florence comes from the Latin name Florentius or its feminine form Florentia, both derived from florens, meaning 'prosperous' or 'flourishing.' This name evokes a vibe of growth and success — not to mention a cool vintage feel. Lyra is the name of a constellation in the northern sky, home to the brilliant star Vega. The constellation is said to be shaped after the lyre of the legendary Greek mythological musician Orpheus, evoking a sense of harmony and celestial beauty. Selene means 'moon' in Greek and was the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, a Titan who radiated beauty and mysticism. Often associated with the goddess Artemis, Selene was depicted driving her chariot across the night sky, illuminating the world with her celestial glow. Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, derived from the Greek word κλέος (kleos), meaning 'glory.' The name evokes the regal power and timeless beauty of the legendary queen, who remains one of history's most iconic figures. It has a sleek, confident sound perfectly befitting of the Art Deco era. Isolde is the romantic-sounding German form of the name Iseult, made famous in the 13th-century German poem Tristan by Gottfried von Strassburg. The origins of the name are uncertain, but some sources suggest it may be of Germanic origin, derived from a name like Ishild, which is composed of the elements is ('ice') and hilt ('battle'). Juno is a name of uncertain origin, but some sources say it's related to an Indo-European root meaning 'young' or derived from Etruscan influences. In Roman mythology, Juno was the wife of Jupiter and the queen of the heavens, revered as the protectress of marriage, women, and even finance. Odessa takes its name from the Ukrainian city on the north coast of the Black Sea — which was named after the ancient Greek city of Odessos, though its exact meaning is unknown. The name evokes a sense of mystery and timeless beauty. Evangeline comes from the Greek εὖ (eu), meaning 'good,' and ἄγγελμα (angelma), meaning 'news' or 'message,' together signifying 'good news.' The name was popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 epic poem Evangeline and later appeared in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) as the full name of the character Eva. With its elegant flow and rich literary history, Evangeline embodies the timeless glamour of the Art Deco era. Paloma is a soft and melodic-sounding name — and it means 'dove' in Spanish, symbolizing peace, love, and grace. Lucienne is the sophisticated French feminine form of Lucien, which itself comes from the Roman family name derived from the praenomen Lucius. The name is linked to Lucianus, a 2nd-century satirist and author from Samosata (the modern-day town of Samsat, in Turkey).
Time Out
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
You can now buy the Chrysler Building—here's how much it'll cost ya
Midtown's shimmering Art Deco crown jewel is officially for sale—again. The Chrysler Building, that spired symbol of 1930s New York glamour, has hit the market after a courtroom soap opera that ended with a $21 million eviction notice and a developer ousted from their lease, reports Crain's New York Business. For the first time since 2019, the skyscraper's leasehold is up for grabs. Cooper Union, which owns the land beneath the tower, has tapped real estate firm Savills to shop it around. Just don't expect a bargain. While the asking price is under wraps, the last sale, involving RFR and the now-insolvent Signa, closed at a fire-sale $151 million, down from a staggering $800 million in 2008. Of course, whoever takes the keys will still owe Cooper Union $32 million annually in rent, rising to $41 million by 2028. Pocket change! Built as a 'monument to me' by auto tycoon Walter P. Chrysler, the 77-story tower has been everything from a Depression-era office oasis to a backdrop in Sex and the City and Men in Black 3. Today, it's 100% leased on paper. But behind the stainless steel gargoyles and red Moroccan marble lobby lie cracked ceilings, finicky elevators, pest problems and lobby tourists who try to sneak past the turnstiles. 'There's been times where we would get water from any of the fountains and it would just be completely brown,' one tenant told the New York Times last year. 'My office just ended up shipping giant bottles of water from Costco.' Savills' pitch? Potential. 'It's a great opportunity to reimagine what is the crown jewel of the New York City skyline,' said David Heller, an EVP at the firm. With rents at $65 to $79 per square foot—half the price of shiny neighbors like One Vanderbilt —the Chrysler is a relative steal. But prospective buyers should bring vision, cash and maybe a pest control contract. As Ruth Colp-Haber, a real estate broker, told the Times, 'It's a tale of two buildings.' One is an icon. The other needs a serious glow-up.
CNN
28-04-2025
- Business
- CNN
Why the Chrysler Building is an Art Deco icon
Though it only had the distinction of being the world's tallest building for 11 months, the Chrysler Building in midtown Manhattan has remained one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the world — and a glimmering architectural icon of the Art Deco period, which celebrates its centennial on April 28. The 1920s and 1930s gave rise to buildings such as Chicago's Tribune Tower and New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel that mixed materials and colors through the use of steel, glass, terracotta, stone and marble. This new modern style prized vertical designs that drew the eye upwards, decorative glass and metalwork with geometric and floral motifs, high-shine lacquered surfaces, and unique sculptural adornments — overall, a movement toward originality instead of references to the past. 'Until the 1920s, American architects tended to design their buildings with one eye looking over their left shoulder of Europe,' said Anthony W. Robins, a founding member and former vice president of The Art Deco Society of New York, in a phone call. Architectural styles in the US often followed revivals popular across the West, he noted, such as the Greek, Romanesque and Italian Renaissance revivals that fell in and out of favor. But Art Deco didn't have a name for decades; in 1966, during renewed interest in the era, a group of curators named the style after the 'Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes,' which took place on April 28, 1925 in Paris and drew some 16 million visitors over seven months, forging a new period of architecture, design and decorative arts that influenced many parts of the world. The 1,046-foot-tall Chrysler Building, completed in May of 1930, was the pinnacle of both the then-unnamed Art Deco period and the skyscraper boom that rapidly transformed New York City's skyline. It dethroned the Eiffel Tower as the world's tallest structure, and was only eclipsed by the Empire State Building before such lofty projects came to a halt as the global economy cratered during the Great Depression, Robins noted. '(The Chrysler Building) and the Empire State Building were the culmination of this huge skyscraper race,' he said. 'They weren't the last to open up before the Depression put an end to it, but they were … the two that took the title of the 'world's tallest building.'' Designed by the architect William van Alen for the automotive magnate Walter P. Chrysler, who took over the project from the developer and politician William H. Reynolds, the tower features a steel frame and white and gray bricks that ascend skyward with three vertical columns of windows on each side, flanked by horizontal rows that appear like notches at each level. Climaxing with a cascade of curvilinear sunbursts at its peak, it tapers off to a gleaming 185-foot-tall spire — one that had to be secretly assembled and erected from the inside to deliver on its promise to become the world's new tallest building. During construction, the Chrysler's superlative was at risk by a structure rising in tandem at 40 Wall Street. Though the New York Times reported in October 1929 that Paul Starrett, the downtown building's developer, denied competing for 'height supremacy,' the building plans had changed to accommodate additional floors. The press played up the rivalry over the course of a year, Robins noted, until Van Alen resolved it by having the spire covertly assembled from five parts on the 65th floor and quickly hoisted up in 90 minutes so that competitors would not know its final height until it was completed. With the Empire State Building on the horizon, as well as plans for other supertalls that were never built — including the Noyes Building, a monumental, four-block wide, 1,600-foot-tall terracotta tower that, in New York's skyline, would have only fallen short of One World Trade Center today — the Chrysler Building was the symbol of a rapidly changing skyline. 'What next February's skyline will be like it would take a rash guesser to say,' the New York Times journalist H.I. Brock wrote in 1930 of the year ahead. 'But it will be different. July's skyline will be a new skyline, for that matter.' What makes the Chrysler Building so striking can be attributed, in part, to the experimentation of the Art Deco period, with its variety of textures, colors and materials, including its use of Nirosta steel: a new type of rustproof stainless steel from Germany. 'The color in the metal — that extraordinary silvery glow of the Nirosta at the top — it just stands out. You get there when the sun hits it on a good day, and it knocks your socks off,' Robins said. But one landmark piece of legislation also contributed to its visual appeal, Robin said. New York City's 1916 Zoning Resolution — the first citywide zoning code in the US to be established — included a requirement that large buildings taper off as they rise so as not to block the sun. Van Alen used the Chrysler Building's five step-like setbacks to vary the design at each level, including ornaments on each ledge. Steel eagle heads and sculptural pineapples can be spotted on different levels, as well as replicas of Chrysler's 1929 radiator hub caps — a tribute to innovation as well as a direct reference to the building's original owner. 'It's very common among Art Deco skyscrapers that the ornaments, aside from being ornamental, will… tell us who the building was built for and include the building itself in the ornament somewhere,' Robins said. Those motifs continue inside, where the skyscraper's dramatic vertical entrances of polished black granite and recessed glass panels lead visitors into the red marble and yellow travertine lobby. On the ceiling, Edward Trumbull's monumental mural, 'Transport and Human Endeavor,' is dedicated to the human ingenuity and technology that created the building, with a depiction of the skyscraper itself included. For all its favorable attention today, the Chrysler Building was completed to mixed reviews. Architecture critics considered the last-minute spire to be a stunt, according to the New York Times. In 1931, the acclaimed critic Lewis Mumford wrote: 'Heaven help the person who critically looks at this building without the help of distance and heavy mists. The ornamental treatment of the facade is a series of restless mistakes.' The architectural tides also shifted drastically as the International Style architectural movement swiftly rose to prominence in the 1930s, prizing functionality in its blocky concrete forms with no decor — the antithesis of its predecessors. But with Art Deco's revival in the 1960s — along with its official name — as well as the skyscraper's designation as a federal and city landmark in 1976 and 1978, respectively, the Chrysler Building's renown grew with time. That wasn't the case for its architect, however, as Van Alen's promising career dwindled, and he became mired in litigation with his client, Chrysler, over payment for the project. (The courts ultimately ruled in Val Alen's favor and he received his fee.) 'The Chrysler is the building in his life, and it was the last major building in his life,' Robins said. Though the building was completed in 1930, it took until 1981 for Van Alen's full vision to be realized, when lighting technicians illuminated the skyscraper's crown for the first time according to the architect's original designs. 'There's no spire that looks anything like that,' Robins said. 'You're flying over Manhattan — that's the one that just catches your eye.'
