PODCAST The story of how Grand Central was saved from the wrecking ball.
The survival of New York City’s greatest train station is no accident. The preservation of Grand Central Terminal helped create the protections for all of America’s greatest landmarks.
By the 1950s, this glorious piece of architecture — opened in 1913 as a sensational example of Beaux-Arts architecture — was severely unloved and truly run down. It was also in danger. Long distance railroad travel was no longer fashionable and its real estate seemed better suited for a trendier skyscraper.
With the destruction of Penn Station in the mid-1960s, it seemed Grand Central was next. Let’s make room for progress! So how did it manage to survive?
In this episode, we welcome special guest Kent Barwick, the former executive director of the Municipal Art Society, who was there, in the middle of the fight to save Grand Central. He joins us to talk about the preservation battle and the importance of one particular ally — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
It certainly took thousands of people — idealists, activists and regular New Yorkers — to save this iconic building. But how did this one woman of great renown and prominence bring her personal history into the building, all in earnest efforts to save it?
Listen Now: Grand Central Terminal Podcast
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The original plan for Grand Central, burying its tracks (to create Park Avenue) and concealing its rail yard, creating valuable real estate above it.
The terminal in 1913 and again in 1927. Note the difference in surroundings.
1960s — before the Pan Am Building ….
…. and after.
A lapel button from 1968, promoting the preservation of Grand Central. No such buttons were made for Penn Station a few years earlier, but the demolished train station would boost preservation efforts for other endangered buildings.
Jackie stands in front of Grand Central, preparing to turn on the lights in 1976. Mr. Barwick mentions this event in our interview with him.
Bess Meyerson, Philip Johnson, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and then-congressman Ed Koch in 1975
Jackie and other activists, all aboard the Landmark Express!
TOURS
Official Grand Central Docent-Led Tours from the Municipal Art Society
Prowler NYC — Architectural/Historical Walking Tours of New York featuring the tour Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Preservation of Our Architectural Treasures
FURTHER LISTENING
We mentioned these past Bowery Boys podcast on the show. After you’ve finished listening to our Rescue of Grand Central show, give these a try!