Even though no longer owned by Chrysler (now DaimlerChrysler) the building that bears its name remains hugely important as the poster child for art deco skyscrapers. It's most impressive feature is its steeple, formed in overlapping scales of gleaming steel with triangular windows inset. This most magnificent of the building's attributes was actually a second thought. The tower was supposed to be 925 feet, but then it was announced that the Bank of Manhattan building (40 Wall Street) would be 927 feet. This infuriated William P. Chrysler who wanted his building to be, "a bold structure, declaring the glories of the modern age" and didn't think being in second place was a way to get that done. A secret plan was hatched and the elements of the tower's spire were constructed inside the upper floors. Then when it was too late for the Bank of Manhattan to catch up, the key pieces of the spire were hoisted into place and in just 90 minutes, the building's height was raised to 1,048 feet. Just as its name outlived its seven owners, the Chrysler Building's magnificence has transcended the record books. It was only the world's tallest building for a year, but still remains an historic and cultural landmark.