A Spire to go Higher:
In the early part of the twentieth century there was a race to build the highest building in the world using newly developed technologies.
Upon completion of the buildings in 1929, they both measured 925 feet, an apparent tie.
However, unknown to others Van Alen had a trick up his sleeve, too.
Hidden inside the building, a huge ornamental spire was being secretly built in three parts.
After 40 Wall was completed, the spire was raised thru the roof, assembled and mounted.
The height of the building was then measured as 1,046 feet, topping 40 Wall by a wide margin, and becoming the first building taller than 1,000 feet.
The triumph of the Chrysler Building was short-lived.
Less than one year later, the Empire State Building topped them both by a comfortable margin, and remained the tallest building in the world for over forty years.