Grand Central

Website: http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/

Grand Central Terminal is one of New York City’s most famous landmarks. Most New York residents have passed through on their way to a weekend outing in Connecticut or accompanying visiting tourists. However, many New Yorkers don’t know much about Grand Central’s fascinating history or its hidden secrets.

In The Beginning

The first Grand Central Terminal was built in 1871 by shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. However, it soon became obsolete when steam locomotives were banned after a catastrophic train collision in 1902 that killed 17 and injured 38. Within months, plans were underway to demolish the existing station and build a new terminal for electric trains. The new Grand Central Terminal officially opened on February 2, 1913. More than 150,000 people turned out to celebrate opening day. The beautiful Beaux Arts building – with its massive marble staircase, 75-foot windows and star-studded ceiling – was an immediate hit.

Glory Days

Hotels, office buildings, and skyscrapers soon sprang up around the new terminal – including the 77-story Chrysler Building. The neighborhood prospered as Grand Central Terminal became the busiest train station in the country. In 1947, more than 65 million people -- the equivalent of 40% of the U.S. populations -- traveled through Grand Central Terminal.

Hard Times

By the 1950’s, the glory days of long-distance rail travel were over. In post-war America, many travelers preferred to drive or fly to their destinations. With the value of prime Manhattan real estate rising and railroad profits falling, the railroad began to talk about demolishing Grand Central Terminal and replacing it with an office building. New York City’s recently-established Landmarks Preservation Commission stepped in in 1967 to designate Grand Central Terminal as a landmark protected by law – temporarily squashing the development plans.

Penn Central, the railroad conglomerate that owned Grand Central Terminal, didn’t want to take no for an answer. They proposed building a 55-story tower above Grand Central, which would have meant demolishing parts of the Terminal. The Landmarks Preservation Commission blocked the project, leading Penn Central to file an $8 million lawsuit against the City of New York. The court battle lasted for almost ten years. Thanks to concerned citizens and city leaders, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the developer’s plans were thwarted (after the lawsuit went all the way to the Supreme Court).

A New Beginning

In 1994, Metro-North took over operation of Grand Central Terminal and began extensive renovations. Now restored to its 1913 splendor, Grand Central has become a beloved Manhattan landmark and a busy commuter hub. Grand Central Terminal now houses five restaurants and cocktail lounges, a Dining Concourse, and 50 shops. Grand Central preserves a little of the history and grandeur of old New York in the middle of modern Manhattan.

Address: 42nd Street between lexington and Madison