I saw an article in the Times today noting that it’s the anniversary of the worst act of civic vandalism in New York. Here are a couple of links . . .
Oh maaaannnn…
I had no idea it was such an amazing building…
I never got to see it; didn’t come to NY for the first time till 1967. Bizarrely, in the new, Godawful Penn Station, they have large blow-ups of the old Penn Station, which has the effect of depressing you to the point of violence when you look at them and then look around you. . . .
Amazing pics. Extrordinary building. Thanks Eve, as I had no idea of the history (lost).
I’ve admired the history of Penn Station for some time, so thanks for the links to the pics. The arcade looks like a prototype for a modern shopping mall, doesn’t it? Way ahead of its time …
Those pictures are stunning. I was just in Penn last night and it’s neat to see how the building first looked.
Well, if this is any consolation Eve, there is a plan on the books to turn Penn Stations Sister building (the Post office across the street) into a New Penn station with all the grandeur of the old.
It’s been on the table for 15 years plus now. SO much like the 2nd ave Train line, its a wait and see project. We just have to hope that the politcs and the finances line up in our life time.
I read that Times article, and what surprised me was that any of the original still survives in the modern hideousness that shares the name. When you see photos of the destruction, it looks like they leveled it wholesales.
Next time I’m in the city, I’m going to try and follow their little tour though, of what little is left.