NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler name has always
been synonymous with bold, timeless design. As New York City's most
distinctive Art Deco skyscraper, the Chrysler Building, owned by Tishman
Speyer Properties, celebrates its 75th birthday on Friday it only makes sense
that the automotive company that shares its name should sponsor the Art Deco
Society gala.
The Art Deco Society gala, held in the brilliantly restored lobby of the
Chrysler Building, comes in the midst of Art Deco Week in New York; seven days
of receptions, building tours, lectures and seminars during the 8th World
Congress on Art Deco sponsored by the Art Deco Society of New York.
"New York City is clearly one of the preeminent Art Deco cities in the
world," explained Kathy Hausman of the society. "Over the decades the
Chrysler Building has gradually become the city's most admired example of Art
Deco architecture and one of its most universally recognized landmarks. We
think it's terrific that this iconic skyscraper should celebrate a significant
milestone during our special week."
Commissioned by Walter P. Chrysler, the building opened its doors on May
27, 1930. Chrysler, whose first car made its debut in 1924 at the New York
Auto Show, also had his personal offices in the city. He conceived the
building as family business independent of the auto industry, and decided the
city was the perfect stage for an exuberant architectural statement. He took
a direct role in both the design and engineering of the building, including
its signature cap.
"Walter P. Chrysler was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking by
taking risks," said Jeff Bell, Vice President Chrysler Brand Chrysler Group.
"His spirit lives in our willingness to take educated risks today -- we
believe the boldness of the Chrysler Building's design is reflected in
breakthrough products like the Airflow, the minivan, the Chrysler 300 and the
Dodge Ram.
"We applaud the Chrysler Building's current owners, Tishman Speyer
Properties, on preserving and restoring this great symbol of America's design
and industrial leadership."
Under Tishman Speyer Properties' ownership, the stainless steel
masterpiece that is the Chrysler Building has seen its 1930s grandeur
expanded, renovated and transformed into a modern 1.99 million square foot
office center. During the extensive renovations to the Chrysler Building that
began in 1998, Tishman Speyer Properties focused on the preservation of the
classic features, painstaking repair and restoration of the landmark facade
and state-of-the-art improvement of the interior systems and mechanics. For
its companion property, Chrysler East, the focus was on refreshing its street
presence with glass cladding and reaching out to its neighbor with added
square footage, creating compelling new spaces with dramatic views of the
Chrysler Building's Art Deco details.
"As one of the enduring iconic symbols of New York City, the Chrysler
Building stands as a testament to the great promise of this city," said Rob
Speyer, Senior Managing Director of Tishman Speyer Properties. "It was meant
to be bigger and better than anything else, and that is the exact attitude
that has always been the fuel that powers New York."
The Chrysler Center today retains the best of its one-of-a-kind
architectural treasure, while updating the property for the 21st century, thus
ensuring its continued appeal. As a result, it remains an integral part of
the New York skyline, but also an internationally recognized symbol of human
accomplishment and potential. A mix of the company's automotive designs will
be displayed Friday between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Lexington Avenue
between 42nd and 43rd Streets. The day's festivities will be capped by a gala
dinner party in the Chrysler Building's lobby.
SOURCE Chrysler Group
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CONTACT:
Scott Brown of Chrysler Group,
+1-201-750-4569, sdb29@daimlerchrysler.com ; or Dina Barsky of
Rubenstein Communications, +1-212-846-8024
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