Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Blair House

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Blair House - The Blair House is the official guest house for visitors of the White House. When guests, such as foreign dignitaries come to visit, they stay within this 70,000 square foot, 119 room complex that is larger than the White House itself. The flag of the nation from which the dignitaries are visiting is always flown outside of the Blair House to signify that the residence is, at least for the given period of the visit, considered foreign soil. Residency within the Blair House can also be tough to come by. When President Obama and his family moved to Washington and were seeking a place to stay prior to his inauguration, they were rebuffed and informed that the home was currently being occupied by the former Prime Minister of Australia.

Blair House

The Blair House began as a single home at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, but has since expanded to into four adjoining townhouses. The original building was constructed as a two-story structure in 1824 and was designed in the Federal style with a brick façade. The brick was later covered over with stucco and subsequently modernized to its current limestone exterior. Other later alterations to the building included the addition of a third and fourth story in the early 1850s.

The residence at 1651 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW was designed by an unknown architect for Joseph Lovell, the eight Surgeon General of the United States Army. Upon Lovell’s passing in 1836, the building was purchased by Francis Preston Blair for the sum of $6,500. Blair was an American journalist and politician who served as an advisor to President Andrew Jackson. Through his role as editor of the Congressional Globe newspaper, Blair was deemed a highly influential advisor to Jackson and considered a part of Jackson’s elite “Kitchen Cabinet.”

In 1859, Blair acquired the adjoining red brick Federal style home at 1653 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Blair had purchased the home as a gift to his daughter and her husband, Rear Admiral of the Navy, Samuel Phillips Lee. Samuel was related to the former Confederate General Robert E. Lee as the two were distant (third) cousins. In fact, it was at this residence that Robert had formerly turned down the opportunity to command the Union Army as offered by Francis Blair on April 18, 1861. The two other neighboring homes that would be integrated into the Blair-Lee home (700 Jackson Place and 704 Jackson Place) were each constructed in 1860.

The Blair Home was acquired by the U.S. government in 1942 for the purpose of needed guest space. A legend around the reason for this off-site hotel for White House guests has long been told surrounding Winston Churchill’s former overnight stays. Allegedly Mr. Churchill was noted for his love of staying up late and enjoying his brandy and cigars. After one especially long evening Eleanor Roosevelt decided she had had enough of Winston’s “bad influence” on her husband and demanded that a guest house be found as a solution for future guests.

One last tale regarding the Blair House revolves around an assassination plot on President Harry Truman that actually occurred here on November 1, 1950. Two Puerto Rican Nationalists named Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo literally walked up to Blair House and opened fire on security guards around the house. A White House Policeman, Leslie Coffelt, was mortally wounded in the shootout, but he managed to stagger out of his guard booth and take out Torresola before he perished himself. Collazo would be arrested and spend twenty-nine years in a federal prison before being released in September 1979.

• Website: http://www.blairhouse.org/home.html


• Address: 1651-1653 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC


• Cost: Free to view from exterior. No tours are available

Iwalked New York City’s 21 Club

Iwalked New York City’s 21 Club - 21 Club is a former speak-easy and current trendy restaurant. It is owned by Orient-Express Hotels and contains the Bar Room downstairs and more exclusive Upstairs at ‘21’. The Bar Room features a mass of sports memorabilia and other “toys” including a football helmet from Frank Gifford, tennis rackets from John McEnroe and Chris Evert, a baseball bat from “Say Hey” Willie Mays, a golf club from Jack Nicklaus, and an airplane model that once belonged to former president John F. Kennedy. Upstairs diners may select from a delectable menu that includes the like of $30 hamburgers or a seven-course tasting menu in the secret Wine Cellar room.

New York City’s 21 Club

21 Club began as a speakeasy known as the Red Head in Greenwich Village in 1922. It was started by two cousins named Jack Kreindler and Charlie Berns who were attempting to earn additional money to pay for their tuition at the time. Their business moved a few times afterwards before settling into an 1872 townhouse located at its current address on December 31, 1929.

The club received its reputation as a top-notch speak-easy in 1930s during the Prohibition era. The booze which was sold at ‘21’ was snuck up from Florida and hidden within the car’s fender during the journey. When a Daily Mirror gossip columnist was banned in 1930, he attempted to extract a bit of revenge and wrote about expected illegal alcohol sales at the club. Within twenty-four hours of the article being published, a raid was scheduled for ’21’. Ill-prepared on this occasion, the two cousins ensured that in the event that they were raided again, the police would find no traces of alcohol on the premises.

After the Feds raid in 1930, Jack and Charlie hired architect Frank Buchanen to construct them a discrete wine cellar door where all alcohol would be stored. Buchanen built a hidden door within a brick wall that was further obscured via a series of shelves. The door, to ensure it appeared as solid as the surrounding wall, was designed to weigh some two-and-a-half tons and could also only be opened with an 18” wire that could reach the door’s hidden lock. Perhaps the most ingenious element of the wine cellar though was the fact that it was built into the premises of the neighboring building (which ‘21’ rented at the time). Thus when the club was interrogated as to whether alcohol was on the premises they could answer in complete honestly that there was not.

The first significant test as to the secrecy of the wine cellar did not have to wait long as Federal agents once again raided the club in June 1932. This time, being well prepared, the owners had sufficient time to hide all alcohol when the doorman notified them via an internal alarm that agents were awaiting to enter the premise. Despite searching the site for over two hours, the agents this time left empty handed and a bit baffled.

Passersby of ’21,’ even if they are unable to afford a delectable dinner here, are prone to stop outside to admire its famous colorful statuary of lawn jockeys attached to the restaurant’s second story balcony. In total there are thirty-three statues outside (and actually two additional ones inside the front door) that represent famous horse stables and farms from around the country. The first statue was donated by Jay Van Urk in the 1930s and other breeders have since followed suit by presenting similar statues to ’21’.

For many of the reasons listed thus far, ‘21’ is a popular locale for both celebrities and film makers alike. On the restaurant’s website you can find celebrity endorsement where past visitors tell some interesting tales of their most memorable ‘21’ memory. One I personally enjoyed was a tale by former NFL quarterback Archie Manning who spoke of his family having dinner here both nights before the NFL draft when his sons Peyton and Eli were selected as number one draft picks. Here you can also read about how every president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has graced its interior, less one (who we’ll let you research on your own via their website if you are truly intrigued). One famous actor even worked here for a period of time behind the hat check counter, and that was Warren Oates (who played Sergeant Hulka in the 1981 Bill Murray comedy Stripes). As to movies that have filmed here, the list is quite extensive but to name a few they have included the likes of Wall Street and Sex and the City.

• Website: http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/21_club.jsp


• Address: 21 West 52nd Street, New York City, NY


• Cost: Free

Iwalked New York City’s Washington Square – Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument

Iwalked New York City’s Washington Square – Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument - The Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument is dedicated to an Italian general, politician and patriot who is nicknamed the “Sword of Unification” for his efforts in helping to unify Italy in the 19th century. Garibaldi spent four years in America on nearby Staten Island before actually returning home and leading his revolutionary efforts. During his brief stint in America, President Lincoln actually offered Garibaldi a military position to be served here in the United States. The position offered in 1862 would have been to serve as a Major General with the Union Army during the American Civil War. Garibaldi was said to have considered Lincoln’s offer but claimed he would only accept if Lincoln would publicly declare the Civil War’s purpose as the abolition of slavery. Lincoln, concerned over the ramifications of such a statement declined, and thus so did Garibaldi.

Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument

The Garibaldi Monument was designed by Giovanni Turini, who also created the bronze bust of Giuseppe Mazzini within Central Park. The work was officially unveiled in 1888, on the sixth anniversary of Garibaldi’s death. Due to renovations within the park, the statue had to be moved on one occasion fifteen feet east for the construction of new paths in 1970. During this time, a time capsule was discovered hidden within the monument which contained newspapers and other articles that highlighted the achievements of Garibaldi.

Iwalked New York City’s One If By Land, Two If By Sea

Iwalked New York City’s One If By Land, Two If By Sea - One If By Land, Two If By Sea is a trendy (and pricey) American cuisine restaurant that resides within a former carriage house built in 1754. The restaurant is often cited as one of the most romantic locales in the city complete with twin fireplaces and evening pianist to accompany such exquisite dishes as its signature beef Wellington. The restaurant’s Mezzanine area is said to be the site of the carriage house’s former hayloft.

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

This original carriage house was built in 1767 for former Vice President Aaron Burr. Burr maintained this property until 1804 when he exiled himself to Europe in the aftermath of his dual with Alexander Hamilton. The building would take on a succession of tenants in the following years (including a fire station, silent film theater, and brothel) but many suspect that Mr. Burr and his daughter Theodosia never really left the premises. Aaron’s troubling years in European exile after murdering Hamilton are well documented; however, an unfortunate series of events in 1813 may have discouraged Theodosia from deciding to pass along peacefully into the afterlife.

While beginning to embark on a voyage to visit her father who had recently returned State-side in 1813, Theodosia’s ship was hijacked by pirates. Upon her capture, Theodosia was believed to have been murdered by the pirates at the tender young age of thirty-years old. Thus in recent years when female patrons have claimed to have been harassed by an unknown entity playing with their earrings, the culprit is rumored to be the troubled and unrested soul of young Theodosia who was just not ready for life after death.

Aaron and Theodosia are not the only reported ghosts said to haunt One If By Land, Two If By Sea though. Reports on the upwards of twenty-three various spirits have been attributed to the former carriage house. Workers and guests have claimed to see a white woman named Elizabeth who is said to have a gravestone within the basement. A former Ziegfeld girl who died within the building in years past appears to show a dislike for “rude” guests. And heavily perfumed ghosts are even said to leave their “essence” wafting within rooms with no other feasible explanation.

• Website: http://www.oneifbyland.com/


• Address: 17 Barrow Street, New York City, NY


• Cost: $$$$.


• Hours: Mon-Thur 5:30 pm-10 pm; Fri-Sat 5:30 pm-11:30 pm; Sun 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-9:30 pm

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial

Iwalked Washington D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial - The Martin Luther King Jr., National Memorial is the latest addition to the National Mall, having opened to the public on August 22, 2011. The $120 million memorial is situated on four-acres near the Jefferson Memorial and is entered through a massive stone (titled the Mountain of Despair) that has had the central portion cut out of it. Surrounding the centerpiece is a 450-foot crescent-shaped wall of granite known as the Inscription Wall. Etched within this wall is text from fourteen of Dr. King’s most noted speeches. The speeches selected range from the Montgomery Bus Boycotts in 1955 up until his final speech in Washington D.C. at the National Cathedral just four days before his assassination. Surprisingly, none of the quotes are from King’s most famous speech of, “I Have a Dream.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Located within the heart of the memorial is a thirty-foot sculpture of Dr. King with arms folded titled the “Stone of Hope.” Although the work appears as one continuous piece, it was actually sculpted from one hundred fifty nine individual pieces of granite and assembled into the work you see now. Located on the side of the statue are two noted quotes from King. Inscribed on one side is, “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” When asked how he would like to be remembered, this was the response which King provided. The second quote on the opposite side serves as fitting symbolism, “Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the inspiration for this memorial, was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He had dedicated his life to peaceful protest and was taken from us too early at the age of thirty-nine when James Earl Ray shot King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee while standing on the second-floor balcony. From 1979 through 1982 attempts were made to propose a national holiday honoring Dr. King. Finally on November 2, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill that formalized the holiday which would be celebrated on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King’s birthday, January 15.

Efforts began to institute a national memorial further honoring King on November 12, 1996. On this date, President Clinton signed into legislation a bill that allowed for the creation of such a tributary monument in Washington D.C. The design competition included approximately nine hundred submissions from over 1900 firms across fifty-two countries. The winner selected was entry #1403 by the ROMA design group from San Francisco, California in September 2000. Groundbreaking would not occur until approximately six years later, on November 13, 2006. Attendees to this event included the likes of Oprah Winfrey and a then little known senator named Barrack Obama.

Although this memorial is already wrought with symbolism, the address selected for this site has been given further meaning. The address of 1964 Independence Avenue, SW is a nod to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the year in which King won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Iwalked New York City’s P.J. Clarke’s

Iwalked New York City’s P.J. Clarke’s - P.J. Clarke’s is a historic New York City saloon which has serviced after work patrons and many more since 1884. The current restaurant/bar is named for one of its former owners, an Irish immigrant named Patrick J. Clarke. Clarke was not the original owner though. He spent approximately ten years working here before he acquired the business from the prior owners and renamed the saloon.
The building is rather nondescript looking as a two-story brick box, but it is the history that draws many patrons here. It was here that Buddy Holly first proposed to Maria Elena Santiago in 1958 on the couple’s first date. Other famous regulars have included Jackie Kennedy Onassis who would bring her children here for lunch, and Frank Sinatra who had his own designated table (number 20) for his frequent visits.

P.J. Clarke’s

P.J. Clarke’s building is a holdout from construction of the 47-story scraper which neighbors it at 919 Third Avenue. During the skyscraper’s construction in the late 1960’s the top two floors of P.J. Clarke’s had to be removed from its original four-story structure. Now inside the top floor (on the second level) is a separate semi-private dining area called the Sidecar. The Sidecar is a bit more formal than the ground floor bar which still features a historic flavor with its wood-paneled walls, tin ceiling and chalkboard menu. A relatively new addition to the ground level is its raw bar where you can now get fresh oysters. If oysters are not your thing, P.J. Clarke’s is best known for its bacon cheeseburger, suitably dubbed “The Cadillac.”

The historic saloon underwent some financial difficulties in early 2002 when it actually shut down for a period of time. Just when many feared that P.J. Clarke’s may go the way of other historic pubs such as Chumley’s, an investor group swooped in to save it just a year later. Amongst the names in the celebrity-ridden investment group were the likes of George Steinbrenner, Timothy Hutton and Bernie Madoff (prior to his 2008 arrest at least).
The locale here at 913 Third Avenue is the original P.J. Clarke’s location, although the saloon’s popularity has spawned a small franchise. Currently there are two additional locations here in New York (near Lincoln Center Plaza and the World Trade Center) and sites in Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and Sao Paulo, Brazil. When asked about plans for further expansion in January 2010, its owners commented that no significant plans were underway although there is a potential Boston franchise on the horizon.

Lastly, those who frequent our tours know that we like to help our listeners recall instances of popular culture via sites visited on our walks. P.J. Clarke’s has both appeared and been referenced on multiple occasions as a popular watering hole in the television series Mad Men. Movie fans may recall a team of bartenders from P.J. Clarke’s in an intense competition versus the Coyote Ugly team in 2002. And hard core fans of the Dave Matthews Band may recognize an unreleased track from the 2005 album Stand Up, titled, “Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd.” This song is reportedly about a former love interest that Dave Matthews met in the bar.

• Website: http://pjclarkes.com/55-street-location.php


• Address: 913 Third Avenue, New York City, NY


• Cost: $$


• Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 3 am

Iwalked New York City's Friends Apartement

Iwalked New York City's Friends Apartement - Today’s destination at 90 Bedford Street, while home to a popular Mediterranean restaurant named The Little Owl, is best recognized to millions as the apartment where Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Joey lived for 10 seasons in the hit television series Friends. Although the exterior is viewable in nearly every episode, little else from the show was filmed in New York City. No interior shots were done here and even the famous intro which features the full cast frolicking within a fountain was filmed at the Warner Brothers studio in Hollywood (reportedly at 5am in the morning).

Friends Apartement

The comedy ran for 10 seasons (September 22, 1994-May 6, 2004) and 236 episodes. The series originally was known via a series of other names including, “Across The Hall”, “Insomnia Café”, “Six Of One”, “Once Upon A Time In The Village”, and “Friend Like Us.” The latter name was eventually shortened to its final name. When casting for the show began, Matt Le Blanc (who plays Joey Tribbiani) was desperate for the role as he was down to his last $11. He got off to a bit of a bad start though when the night before his audition he fell on his face after a long evening of drinking which left him with some tough to explain cuts and scabs.

All turned out well for our Friends though as the group of actors cast for the series became a close knit group in real life as well. Supposedly before filming the cast was known to hang out together and play Scrabble or poker to relax. One co-star who felt a bit intimidated and left out from the group’s tight bond was Tom Selleck. Selleck was reported as feeling a third (or seventh in this case) wheel when the cast would huddle together before each episode and he was left as a casual observer.

The impact of Friends on culture is still relevant and sometimes overlooked. Catch phrases such as Joey’s pick-up phrase, “How you doin’?” may still be heard at bar-time in most parts of the country. Less the show’s social impact was put to a real test via a linguistics professor at the University of Toronto. In his study the professor confirmed that the mannerism of Chandler Bing and his emphasis on the word “so” (aka-Friends is “so” the best comedy on television.) made this the most emphasized intensifier used in the English language. How many shows can say that?

Other quick hits and fun facts regarding Friends:

• Each twenty-two minute episode took approximately six hours to film.


• Courtney Cox originally auditioned for the part of Rachel before producers convinced her that she was more suited for Monica.


• David Schimmer was reportedly offered the lead role in Men In Black before he turned it down and the role was offered to Will Smith.

Iwalked New York City’s Paley Center For Media (Former Museum Of Television And Radio)

Iwalked New York City’s Paley Center For Media (Former Museum Of Television And Radio) - If the formal art museums such as the Museum of Modern Art are not your thing, then perhaps you may prefer a less formal museum setting such as the Paley Center for Media (formerly recognized as the Museum of Television and Radio). Inside visitors have access to nearly 150,000 television and radio shows that may be watched in designated console rooms. The shows date back as far as 1918 and are also inclusive of current running shows. To watch a program all you need to do is make a reservation at the front desk and select up to four shows you wish to view. You will then be assigned a designated console room with headphones where you are welcome to enjoy your show that is streamed via a vault of media programs stored just outside of New York City. Please note that the Paley Center does not sell any of its shows, it only allows for viewing of select programs within its facility.

Paley Center For Media

Speaking of the Paley Center facility, the $50 million building was designed by our friend Philip Johnson and opened for business on September 12, 1991. The museum originally began in 1975 on East 53rd Street and was then known as the Museum of Broadcasting. The unique idea for the Museum of Broadcasting was conceptualized by William S. Paley who successfully ran the CBS network for many years. It was Paley who, in fact, ensured that CBS was the top network for over twenty consecutive years through such hit shows as Dallas, 60 Minutes, and M*A*S*H. Paley was also known for his eye for talent as he discovered the likes of George Burns, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby.

In 2007 the former Museum of Television and Broadcasting was renamed in honor of its founder William S. Paley. The non-media specific name was meant to recognize evolving technologies such as podcasting and the internet. The success of the New York branch has subsequently led to the opening of a second location in Beverly Hills, California which opened in 1996.

If you are interested in visiting the Paley Center and exploring its three-stories of entertainment technology, the hours are Wed-Sun 12pm-6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays (until 8pm). The museum is closed on both Mondays and Tuesday, and also major holidays (New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Again, admission fees may vary from the time of this recording but as of current you may expect $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens and $5 for children under fourteen.

Iwalked New York City’s Bloomingdale’s

Iwalked New York City’s Bloomingdale’s - When one thinks of shopping in New York City, one name immediately pops to the forefront of most individual’s minds—Bloomingdale’s. With seven and a half stories of retail space to conquer, it’s no wonder that even Queen Elizabeth II made it a pit stop on her list of “to-do’s” during a visit in 1976.

Bloomingdale’s

Bloomingdale’s began in 1872 when two brothers named Joseph and Lyman G. Bloomingdale began selling hoop skirts in a small row house located at 938 Third Avenue. In a time when most retailers were only selling one specialty item, the brothers Bloomingdale were so bold as to begin to carry other items as well. This was one of the first instances of a true department store as we know it today.

In the store’s earliest days it thrived on an image of bargain prices. This image maintained until the 1970’s when “Bloomies” became a name associated with the finer things in life. Suddenly shoppers could buy branded underwear with the name “Bloomies” etched on it to show their own sophistication. Riding the tide of the spend thrifty 1980’s, the retail giant underwent a dramatic expansion.

Fast forward to the next decade (January 1990 to be specific) and Bloomingdale’s suddenly found itself facing enormous amounts of debt. The company had to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was eventually acquired by Macy’s which still owns the chain.

Bloomingdale’s iconic image has been featured in numerous high profile movies. In the 1984 Tom Hanks film, Splash, Darrell Hannah’s piercing mermaid voice destroys a series of televisions in the store. More recently (2001), John Cusack romanced Kate Beckinsale at the glove counter in Serendipity.

• Website: http://www.bloomingdales.com/
• Address: 1000 Third Avenue, New York City
• Cost: Free to view…once inside, it’s up to you.

Iwalked New York City’s Chrysler Building

Iwalked New York City’s Chrysler Building - The Chrysler Building is to New York City what the Eiffel Tower is Paris or Big Ben is to London. It is truly the single piece of architecture that most individuals have come to associate with New York…and for good reason. After all, fans of the 1978 musical film The Wiz, will recall, it was images of the Chrysler Building depicted along the yellow brick road…not the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center.

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building stands 1,046 feet from street level to its Art Deco spire. (The spire itself is 185-feet tall.) It is constructed of a ribbed stainless-steel and contains ornamentation throughout that symbolizes the automobile manufacturer for which it is named. For instance on the building’s 59th floor there are gargoyles shaped like hubcaps, eagles on the 61st floor (as depicted on the hood ornament of a 1929 Chrysler Plymouth), and the spire is meant to evoke images of a car’s radiator grill.

The inspiration for the Chrysler Building began as the vision of Walter Percy Chrysler, the famed automobile manufacturer. In 1928 he hired New York architect William Van Alen to construct him what would be the world’s tallest building, surpassing the 792-foot Woolworth Building. His instructions to Val Alen specifically stated that he wanted the world’s highest toilet so he could look down and “shit on Henry Ford and the rest of the world.” The site selected was the former locale of the city’s largest beer-maker, the Bloomingdale Brewery.

Construction on the structure began on September 19, 1928. Meanwhile across town, one of Van Alen’s former partners whom he had had a falling out with, Craig Severance, had similarly entered into contract to erect the world’s largest building. Severance’s client, the Manhattan Company, began construction on their skyscraper around the same time at 40 Wall Street (a locale we visit on our Lower Manhattan tour).

Over the ensuing months, Val Alen and Severance raced to not only complete their structures first, but also ensure they were not outdone by the other. Each made multiple modifications to their original plans as rumors leaked on their rival’s approach. At one point when while feeling backed into a corner and running out of ideas, Van Alen was chastised by his employer who threw automobile metaphors at him for supposed inspiration. Chrsyler challenged Van Alen by stating that, “Your values need grinding,” and to “Speed up you carburetor.”

Van Alen was apparently up to the task as progress proceeded on the Chrysler Building at an incredible pace. The building was built at a rate of approximately four stories per week and completed in just twenty months. Up to 3,000 workers were actively engaged on the building’s construction at one point. Their efforts included laying approximately 3,826,000 bricks and applying some 400,000 rivets.

During the building’s final stages (literally in the month before its unveiling), unknown to Severance and the rest of the world, Van Alen had begun construction on a secret spire that would ensure his building would receive the title of world’s tallest building upon completion. The spire was actually assembled into four discrete sections within the fire shaft of the Chrysler Building to ensure its secrecy. When the spire was ready to be hoisted atop the 66th story on October 23, 1929, crews worked feverishly to install it within just ninety minutes! Upon its installation, the Chrysler Building’s spire officially ensured its height exceeded 40 Wall Street by 121 feet.

Unfortunately just eleven months later, the Empire State Building would surpass both buildings by more than 200 feet in 1931. Currently the Chrysler Building is tied for third amongst tallest structures within the city. A title it shares with the New York Times Building and two positions behind the Empire State Building and the Bank of America Tower. Upon completion of One World Trade Center, each of these structures will fall one place in their respective positions.

As for our hero Mr. Val Alen, despite having succeeded in not only creating the tallest building in the world and one of the most iconic structures of the 20th Century, he never again undertook a significant project after the Chrysler Building. Val Alen’s professional reputation reportedly took a bit of a hit when he sued his former employer, Mr. Chrsyler for not paying his commission of approximately $840,000 after having failed to enter into a formal agreement prior to commencement of the project. While Van Alen did win his day in court, he was virtually ostracized and relegated to teaching for the remainder of his days.

Meanwhile, Walter Chrysler’s $14 million investment remained within the Chrysler family until 1953 when they sold their interest in the property. While the Chrysler Corporation maintained headquarters within the facility from 1930 until the 1950s, it was never owned any rights in the building. Walter had financed the entire project himself as a family investment for his children. Today the Chrysler Building is 90% owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council.

• Website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/chrysler.html


• Address: 405 Lexington Avenue, New York City, NY


• Cost: Free