New York's Palace or "The Grand Central Station" turned 100 Friday, Feb. 1. The Grand Central is a significant part of American architectural history and plays a major role in the everyday lives of New Yorkers.
The first train left the Grand Central in 1913. Currently, the station does not cater to long distance travel but has multiple subways that are the heart of New York's Transport system. Originally christened "The Grand Central Terminal," it is the largest station in the world with 44 high-level platforms and 67 tracks.
It was jointly built by the Warren &Wetmore and Reed and Stern construction firms. Beautiful sculptures of Hercules, Minerva and Mercury designed by famous sculptor Jules-Félix Coutan adorn the frontal façade of the building. The sculptures surround the Tiffany-glass, 14 feet diameter clock. The entrance opens up to the Vanderbilt Hall, a 12,000 square feet waiting room featuring a tall astral marble ceiling, chandeliers and a thousand twinkling light bulbs. The information booth is the busiest place of the station while on the lower level; The Oyster Bar serves as a restaurant. Sweeping large staircases give the place a "Paris Opera" look as well.
From 1915 to the 1990s, the building had a separate area called the "Kissing Room" which served as a meeting point for uniting family, friends and lovers.
Transit officials are planning on an $8.2 billion expansion that will introduce two new escalators and provide for a new "kissing room" as well, reportsWall Street Journal.
In 1970, the building was up for demolition but was saved by a group of preservation activists.
"It's hard to realize that 40 years ago people said Grand Central should be demolished. Try to imagine the city without it now. For so many years, this was people's first experience of New York as they arrived in the city," said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of the Historic Districts Council to NY Daily news.
New Yorkers celebrated their beloved building's birthday with much pomp and ceremony. Stars like Keith Hernandez, Cynthia Nixon and Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks were a part of the show along with many school bands and choirs, Jazz bands and professional dancers adding to the glory.
"It's not easy to last 100 years in a city of constant change," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at the ceremony, reports Bangkok Post.
Check out some vintage pictures of the legendary building in Curbed.
For More Information on The Grand Central Terminal, Visit the Official website.
