Iconic landmark the Chrysler Building to be sold

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The Chrysler Building, the iconic landmark of New York City, is to be sold for "a little more than 150 million U.S. dollars," according to The Wall Street Journal.

Located on the East Side of Midtown Manhattan, at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street, the building has experienced glory and desolation since it was built in 1930.

The dethroned giant

View of New York City /VCG Photo

New York's soaring skyline makes it a Mecca for architects and urban aspirants, and the Chrysler Building, designed by William Van Alen, stands out from its surroundings in style and silhouette at any distance.

It is considered a leading example of Art Deco architecture.

The Chrysler Building, which opened in 1930 and stands 1,046 feet (319 meters) tall, was renowned for its terraced crown. The entire crown is clad with steel and when the lights go on, it is like a crystal needle pointing up at the sky.

It was the world's tallest building, but only for 11 months, after which it was dethroned by the Empire State Building, also in Manhattan.

The building was a personal project for Walter Chrysler, the founder of the car manufacturer that bears his name, but remained separate from the auto business.

Iconic landmark

Still from "The Avengers" (2012) /Douban Photo

As one of the most recognized skyscrapers in New York or even around the world, the Chrysler Building is one of the most visited attractions in New York City.

People seem to have a conditioned response when seeing the Chrysler Building: It's New York! It's the metropolis!

For many people from other countries, it even represents the United States.

It appears in many films and TV series.

Characters in the sitcom "Friends" /Douban Photo

In "The Avengers" (2012), the epic battle was taking place right in the middle of Manhattan. The scene where Thor summon lightning on to the spire of Chrysler Building was breathtaking.

For many Chinese audiences, they are familiar with the building via two of their favorites TV series: the epic sitcom "Friends," and the drama "Sex and the City."

The Chrysler Building is not the tallest anymore, but it sure is an enduring landmark.

Real estate group Tishman Speyer, which had bought the building outright for a reported 210-250 million U.S. dollars in 1997, retained a 10-percent stake.

The Journal reported that the building's owners do not own the ground beneath it and pay annual rent that went up from 7.75 million to 32 million dollars in 2018 and was set to increase again to 41 million dollars in 2028.

( With input from AFP)