2013: Rain delay halts the lifting of the World Trade Center spire–today’s erection of the spire would have cemented the building’s status as the tallest in New York City.
1930: Chrysler Building architect devises sneaky plan to win the race to dominate the skyline (hint: it includes hiding a giant spire in a fire shaft); dresses up as his creation at the 1931 Beaux Arts Ball.