William Van Alen, Fred T. Ley and the Chrysler Building

by George C. Kingston

Overview

The Chrysler Building was the result of a remarkable collaboration between William Van Alen, a dreamer whose designs challenged orthodox architecture, and Fred T. Ley, a practical builder who turned dreams into reality. Together they realized Walter P. Chrysler's vision of an iconic structure that would (for 11 months) be the tallest building in the world.

Van Alen is recognized as one of the most innovative architects of the 20th century. Ley rose from rod man on a survey team to head one of the largest construction companies in the world. Both men participated in the architectural revolution brought about by steel frame, curtain wall construction. This book chronicles how they designed and constructed the Chrysler Building and how the experience affected the rest of their lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476627892
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	03/04/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	236
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

George C. Kingston is a retired engineering research manager, a professional genealogist and an historian. He lives in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
George C. Kingston is a retired engineering research manager, a professional genealogist and an historian. He lives in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vi

Preface 1

1 The Dreamer and the Builder 3

2 The Builder Lays a Foundation 10

3 The Dreamer Begins to Dream 22

4 The Builder of Trollies 34

5 The American Dreamer in Paris 53

6 Fred T. Ley & Co. 64

7 The Salesman and the Dreamer: Severance and Van Alen 90

8 The Builder in the Big Apple 110

9 The Builder Goes to War: Camp Devens 121

10 The Dreamer on His Own 136

11 The Builder and the Archbishop 147

12 The Dream Is Built: The Chrysler Building 161

13 After the Chrysler Building 182

Appendix A The William Van Alen Catalog 195

Appendix B Projects Fred T. Ley & Co. 198

Appendix C Chronology of the Chrysler Building 201

Appendix D Vendors and Subcontractors 203

Chapter Notes 205

Bibliography 219

Index 221