Chrysler Building

Completed in 1930, this gleaming building pays homage to the automobile. Architect William Van Alen outfitted the main tower with colossal radiator-cap eagle "cargoyles" and a brickwork relief sculpture of racing cars complete with chrome hubcaps. A needle-sharp stainless-steel spire was added to the blueprint so the finished product would be taller than 40 Wall Street, which was under construction at the same time.