Over the years, I have probably been in Grand Central Terminal several-hundred times, but like most of the 5-6 million daily commuters, I had never really “seen” it until I joined a recent Orange Senior day trip that included an insider’s view of this New York icon.
Grand Central Terminal (often incorrectly referred to as Grand Central Station, which is the subway station underneath the terminal) was built in 1913 at a time when new electrification technology allowed arriving trains to go underground.
Although it was built and named for the New York Central Railroad when many long-distance trains used the station, today it serves only commuter traffic from platforms on two levels; 41 upper and 26 platforms on the lower. There is a secret platform, No. 61 under the station which was used to convey President FDR and his limo, directly into the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. There is also a little known and very special, cocktail lounge which occupies the former elegant hideaway office and apartment of John W. Campbell. In memory of this ’30s tycoon, a popular drink is called “Prohibition Punch.”
Our guide pointed out many remarkable design innovations used in the building of Grand Central. Ramps, instead of stairs are used in most areas making it easier to move from one place to another. The architecture, by cleverly opening or narrowing spaces, although we are unaware of it, encourages us to slow down or walk more quickly.
The use of amber lights gives a soft, warm glow throughout. The 125-foot-high ceiling, which arches over the 80,000-square-foot main concourse, also has many unique features. It portrays the Mediterranean sky with October-March zodiac and 2,500 stars. A section of the zodiac is depicted backward, because Paul Helleu, the artist, took inspiration from a medieval manuscript that depicted the heavens as viewed from outside the celestial sphere. If you follow a line on the ceiling, you will also notice a small, very dark area. It is the color of the ceiling previous to renovation caused by accumulation of dirt and nicotine over the years.
Two major features of the Grand Concourse are “the clock,” a favorite meeting place at the center of the information booths, and the grand staircases. Each of the four faces on the clock is made from opal and its estimated value is between $10 and $20 million. Originally, there was only one grand staircase; the second (which is the one on the east side leading to the Metrazur restaurant) was added during the restoration. Both beautiful marble staircases are modeled after the one at the Paris Opera House.
Our guide showed us the area where from 1939-1964 CBS broadcast their evening news programs, including Ed R. Murrow’s well known “See It Now.” The comings and goings of the trains, however, caused frequent lost signal problems, which necessitated a constant adjustment of the “rabbit ears” on viewer’s sets as they lost the program.
By the 1950s, we had become a nation of suburbs and cars and, of course, the cost of prime Manhattan real estate had soared. The interior of the terminal became filled with advertising and billboards in an effort to make money and in 1954 plans to demolish Grand Central and replace it with an office tower, were advanced.
Although the Landmarks Preservation Commission had designated Grand Central as a landmark, Penn Central filed an $8 million lawsuit against the City of New York, and the litigation lasted nearly a decade.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Brendan Gill rallied other influential New Yorkers in the fight to keep Grand Central, and it is now a National Historic Landmark: 1983 saw its takeover by MTA Metro-North which instituted an ambitious revitalization plan.
Now, with five upscale restaurants, including the famous Oyster Bar, 20 casual eateries, a gourmet food court and 50 specialty shops, Grand Central not only serves thousands of commuters, it is a historic landmark and tourist destination.
Free tours are available on Wednesdays at 12:30 from the Municipal Art Society, 212-935-3960, or Fridays, also at 12:30, given by the Grand Central Partnership, 212-883-2420. After taking the tour, you will never be able to rush through Grand Central in the same old way again.
What's Causing the Current Real Estate Market, and Will It Last?
-
Potential buyers and sellers have been curious lately about what will
happen in the near term for real estate in Connecticut? Is it too late to
sell this ...
2 years ago
