Grand Central New York
1. Description:
Grand Central Terminal, as seen in the photo is a rectangular structure, features a grand entry way that is comprised of 3 rounded arches, each separated from each other by (2) sets of 2, Roman-Doric columns. The arches form windows that are segmented with both horizonal and vertical iron bars to create smaller panes of glass. Not unlike the rest of the building which follows designs similar to those found in the Louvre, commissioned by Napoleon III, the roof is a green, and compliments the style. The exterior is moderately decorated, featuring some reliefs, and extrusions, as well as a clock above the center-most window. To some extent the building might appear as a bird cage.
Access Points
2. Summary:
For New York, the 1860's proved to demonstrate the rise of the railroad. By now, the horse-drawn street cars had been overtaken by the protruding overhead railways. The new means of transit allowed those working in offices downtown to live further away, or uptown. By the end of the decade, the Transcontinental Railway would open, and at the same time, Cornelius Vanderbilt would unveil his plans for what would become Grand Central Terminal. Unlike most train sheds of the time, Vanderbilt's station was reminiscent of Napoleon III's additions to the Louvre, and utilized tall mansards, that billowed outward. The station would retain this design until it was rebuilt in 1904 under the design from architectural firm, Warren and Wetmore. Transportation in New York was evolving rapidly, projects such as the 1883 Brooklyn Bridge eliminated what had previously been a twelve-minute ride across the Fulton Ferry between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
3. Research:
Legal Challenges
One of the unusual things about the Terminal is the height, or failure to use the space above. Despite the zoning for the area allowing for substantially taller buildings, a court case of Penn Central Transportation Co. v. City of New York, filed on April 17, 1978, swiftly denied such actions. On June 26 courts ruled that the construction of something on top of the Terminal would have ruined the landmark design of the structure. Additionally it was justified that due to the use of public aid such as tax exemptions, subsidies, and having rerouted infrastructure to the building, the value of the property was significantly higher than it would be otherwise; and there was no way to calculate the, “social increments.”
"At stake in the Grand Central Terminal litigation was the aesthetic integrity of a world-renowned architectural gem. An imposing Beaux Arts building whose south facade has been termed "one of the most stunning achievements in the history of urban design," 18 the Terminal has landmark qualities beyond dispute."-John J. Costonis
"The Court of Appeals suggested that in calculating the value of the property upon which appellants were entitled to earn a reasonable return, the "publicly created" components of the value of the property - i. e., those elements of its value attributable to the "efforts of organized society" or to the "social complex" in which the Terminal is located - had to be excluded".- Penn Central Transportation Co. v. City of New York
Had the plans not been denied, construction of a 59-story office building would have been resulted in a 50+25 year lease to Emirate based, United Gulf Properties at a steep rate of $1M USD per year during construction, and no less than $3M USD per year upon completion. In tradeoff, the court offset the ruling by TDR, rather than any type of monetary compensation. Shortly after on August 2nd, 1967, the Terminal was designated a landmark, and the parcel of land it sits on, a “city tax block.”
Construction
Construction of the (current) Terminal was the largest construction project in New York City history at the time. The original Grand Central Depot, built by Cornelius, that opened in 1871 formed as an L shaped structure. Cornelius had made his money not only as a railroad tycoon, but building steamships, and was no stranger to transportation. The popularity and demand for rail use quickly saw this station demolished in 1899 in favor of a much larger, 6 level Grand Central Station. It would not be until 1903 that construction by Warren & Wetmore would begin on the current structure that serves as, Grand Central Terminal. During this 3rd construction, Whitney Warren, would leave her mark on the city. Warren was a cousin of the Vanderbilt family, and had spent dans le École des Beaux Arts. It was at this point, that all train lines now terminated here. Despite this, there still exists today, a Grand Central Station, which is next door at the post office.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal Excavation
Of the more modern marvels, the project was one of the first all-electric buildings. The building, at the edge of modern technology, remained in the same state, and began to deteriorate to such extent it prompted a 25-year long restoration from 1993-2008. During this renovation, critical devices for building wide circulation, smoke evacuation, video monitoring, as well as other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements were made; ultimately bringing the building to modern standards and code compliance. More than 4,000 light bulbs that had until 2008 been left as bare, exposed incandescent bulbs were replaced with fluorescent bulbs. It is likely, that they will soon have to be replaced with LED's.
Despite having been nearly 120 years prior, the Terminal has maintained the world record for size with a full 45 platforms and 63 tracks. Daily, more than 700,000 people pass through in transit, with over 10,000 only there to eat. The building also holds the record for the deepest basement in New York City. As many people are likely to be carrying some sort of luggage, every area is accessible by means of elevator or ramp, and only has 2 prominent staircases, both built at different times, and modeled after those of the Paris Opera. While building has 41 elevators, only 8 are publicly accessible. Easily forgotten, the ceiling of the main concourse features celestial artwork, and an acoustically entertaining ceiling.
In more recent times, the One Vanderbilt building that sits directly across the street to the West of the Terminal has been built. The building opened for public use officially on September 14, 2020. One of the more useful features of the building is the underground passage that allows entry into Grand Central Terminal. The new tower takes the title of 4th tallest building within New York City. The name of the building stems from the locaiton on 1 Vanderbilt Avenue.
1 Vanderbilt Tunnel Render
1 Vanderbilt Tunnel Sketch
4. Contemporary Culture:
The design of the depot, station, and now terminal set precedence for others alike. Domestically, and internationally, the overall design has been highly successful. Success to such extent that we see many other stations utilize form, and especially within the United States, design. As someone who visits many train stations and terminals for work, it is very easy to see that the larger stations all share many of the core elements and adapt the style of the building to the local area. It does seem though, that the further West you go, the more the design shifts away in style. One thing to consider in this same respect, is that the later years also become periods of the automobile, which have detrimental effects on railways.
Chicago Union Station
Use of Corinthian Columns, similar facade, and heavy use of underground areas to protect from harsh environments. The station also has underground passages to nearby buildings.
Kansas City Union Station
This station has an overhead passage to get to the platforms.
Denver Union Station
Works Cited
“40 Years Rescued, 20 Years Renewed.” Grand Central Terminal, 5 Nov. 2019,
www.grandcentralterminal.com/celebrates/.
Carlson, Jen. “Everything You Never Knew You Wanted To Know About Grand Central Terminal.” Gothamist, Gothamist, 20 Aug. 2018,
gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/everything-you-never-knew-you-wanted-to-know-about-grand-central-terminal.
Costonis, John J. “The Disparity Issue: A Context for the Grand Central Terminal Decision.” Harvard Law Review, vol. 91, no. 2, 1977,
p. 402., doi:10.2307/1340535.
“FindLaw's United States Supreme Court Case and Opinions.” Findlaw, caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/438/104.html.
Goldberg, David. “See the New Underground Tunnel Entry into Grand Central.” Time Out New York, Time Out, 22 Mar. 2017,
www.timeout.com/newyork/blog/see-the-new-underground-tunnel-entry-into-grand-central-101916.
“Grand Central Terminal to Celebrate Historic Milestones.” MTA,
www.mta.info/news/2018/06/07/grand-central-terminal-celebrate-historic-milestones.
“Grand Central Terminal.” Beyer Blinder Belle, Beyer Blinder Belle,
dev.bbbarchitectsplanners.com/media/files/GCT_General.pdf.
“Grand Central Terminal.” In Virtual Reality.,
www.youvisit.com/tour/grandcentral.
“INDIVIDUAL AND INTERIOR LANDMARK 89 EAST 42ND STREET, 10017.” NYC Planning ZoLa,
zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1280/1?layer-groups=%5B%22building-footprints%22%2C%22commercial-overlays%22%2C%22landmarks%22%2C%22street-centerlines%22%2C%22subway%22%2C%22tax-lots%22%2C%22zoning-districts%22%5D.
Maranzani, Barbara. “Grand Central Terminal: An American Icon.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 1 Feb. 2013,
www.history.com/news/grand-central-terminal-an-american-icon-turns-100.
“NYC Office Space for Lease / Rent.” Metro Manhattan Office Space, 20 June 2020,
www.metro-manhattan.com/.
“Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City, 438 U.S. 104 (1978).” Justia Law,
supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/438/104/.
“Railroads (USA): History And The Industrial Revolution.” American,
www.american-rails.com/.
Rosinsky, Alan. “Midtown Manhattan Welcomes One Vanderbilt Office Tower.” Metro Manhattan Office Space, 18 Sept. 2020,
www.metro-manhattan.com/blog/one-vanderbilt-crown-jewel-of-midtown-east-officially-opens-in-nyc.
Russell, James S. “How to Game the Zoning Codes to Build Supertall Skyscrapers.” Bloomberg.com, Bloomberg, 11 June 2019, 7:00 AM PDT,
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-11/gaming-new-york-s-skyscraper-height-zoning-laws.
“Warren and Wetmore.” Infogalactic,
infogalactic.com/info/Warren_and_Wetmore.
Comments
Post a Comment