[geomorph]

Originally Posted by Matthew

Winston-Salem: The Cardinal hotel
Designed by Shreve, Lamb, & Harmon, with metal sculptural work by the famed German artist Oscar B. Bach, and interiors by the Rambusch Decorating Company (same company that worked on many of the amazing theatres in NYC and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel). Yes, it's a work of Art Deco art! This building won every national design award from 1929 and became the model for the Empire State Building, with the architects modifying and scaling-up this design in just two weeks. While other buildings make similar claims, this is the only building with signed proof from the Empire State Building to back its claim and that proof is on display, as you enter the hotel bar & restaurant. This 23-storey building was the tallest in North Carolina from 1929 until the 30-storey glass box across the street was built in 1965.

Excellent entry to the thread!