2. The American Radiator Building Features Symbolic Sculpture Reliefs
Aside from its distinctive brickwork and gold accents, there are quite a few decorative elements of the American Radiator Building that are worth noting — from its gilded terra cotta ornaments that crown its tower to its four-story base that is sheathed in black granite and bronze. Look closely at this base and you may notice carved allegories sitting on top of it. They are said to be sculpted allegories of matter transforming into energy — quite fitting for a company that once specialized in heating products.
Sculptor Rene Paul Chamberlain, who also worked with Hood on the Chicago Tribune Building and the Daily News Building, was tasked with crafting all of the gold-glazed sculptural reliefs.