Which New York City skyscraper was designed by William Van Alen and completed in 1930?

The Chrysler Building was designed by William Van Alen and completed in 1930.

Built for automobile executive Walter Chrysler, the Manhattan landmark is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Deco skyscraper design. Its stainless-steel crown features a series of sunburst arches and triangular windows, while automotive details appear throughout the decoration.

The tower briefly became the world’s tallest building in 1930, before the Empire State Building surpassed it the following year. This short-lived height competition is one of the best-known episodes in New York’s skyscraper history.

The Chrysler Building is often confused with the nearby Empire State Building because both date from the same era and define the Manhattan skyline. However, the Chrysler Building is especially recognizable for its gleaming geometric spire and automobile-themed ornament.