The Rise and Fall of Penn Station
Arguably the Greatest Structure in American History
There was no legal way to stop the financially-challenged and poorly-managed Penn Central Railroad from selling this property to save it's own skin. It took four years to tear this building down -- the beautiful marble, granite, steel and glass structure so meticulously designed and crafted -- to make room for the new Madison Square Garden. It was the event which led to the creation of the Landmark Preservation Act which has subsequently saved so many wonderful buildings, including Grand Central Station.
The history of Penn Station is rich and expansive. An overview will be published here, with links below to detailed articles and journals, as well as audio and video clips. Much more to come ...
"A Piece of the Original Penn Station Hides in Plain Sight"
August 6, 2012 - WNYC-FM, New York
A carved leaf pattern in the large steel and glass entryway frame on the lower level is the sole remnant of the old Penn Station.
"These Architects Designed a Nation"
January 1, 2011 - NPR
An interview by NPR's Jacki Lyden with architecture professor Mosette Broderick about the architecture firm of McKim, Mead and White, which designed the magnificent original Penn Station.