Grand Central Terminal: Railroads, Engineering, and Architecture in New York City

by Kurt C. Schlichting

More than a history of a train station―the story of a city and an age, as reflected in a building aptly described as a secular cathedral. Winner of the Professional/Scholarly Publishing Award in Architecture from the Association of American Publishers Grand Central Terminal, one of New York City's preeminent buildings, stands as a magnificent Beaux-Arts monument to America's Railway Age, and it remains a vital part of city life today. Completed in 1913 after ten years of construction, the terminal became the city's most important transportation hub, linking long-distance and commuter trains to New York's network of subways, elevated trains, and streetcars. Its soaring Grand Concourse still offers passengers a majestic gateway to the wonders beyond 42nd Street. In Grand Central Terminal, Kurt C. Schlichting traces the history of this spectacular building, detailing the colorful personalities, bitter conflicts, and Herculean feats of engineering that lie behind its construction. Schlichting begins with Cornelius Vanderbilt―"The Commodore"―whose railroad empire demanded an appropriately palatial passenger terminal in the heart of New York City. Completed in 1871, the first Grand Central was the largest rail facility in the world and yet―cramped and overburdened―soon proved thoroughly inadequate for the needs of this rapidly expanding city. William Wilgus, chief engineer of the New York Central Railroad, conceived of a new Grand Central Terminal, one that would fully meet the needs of the New York Central line. Grand Central became a monument to the creativity and daring of a remarkable age. The terminal's construction proved to be a massive undertaking. Before construction could begin, more than 3 million cubic yards of rock and earth had to be removed and some 200 buildings demolished. Manhattan's exorbitant real estate prices necessitated a vast, two-story underground train yard, which in turn required a new, smoke-free electrified rail system. The project consumed nearly 30,000 tons of steel, three times more than that in the Eiffel Tower, and two power plants were built. The terminal building alone cost $43 million in 1913, the equivalent of nearly $750 million today. Some of these costs were offset by an ambitious redevelopment project on property above the New York Central's underground tracks. Schlichting writes about the economic and cultural impact of the terminal on midtown Manhattan, from building of the Biltmore and Waldorf-Astoria Hotels to the transformation of Park Avenue. Schlichting concludes with an account of the New York Central's decline; the public outcry that prevented Grand Central's new owner, Penn Central, from following through with its 1969 plan to demolish or drastically alter the terminal; the rise of Metro-North Railroad; and the meticulous 1990s restoration project that returned Grand Central Terminal to its original splendor. More than a history of a train station, this book is the story of a city and an age as reflected in a building aptly described as a secular cathedral.

Genres: Architecture

Hardcover

First published March 12, 2001

Reviews

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand Architecture

Grand Central Terminal offers the reader an insight into just what architecture can offer a city. Especially to someone who has not walked Grand Central’s concourse. Schlichting includes everything from an exact description of the need for Grand Central, the world background at the time of its construction, and of course the money involved. And he does so in an informative and entertaining manner. It is indeed a grand book covering a grand topic.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a fan of railroads and a fan of architecture, this book was perfect. It wasn't too overly detailed to the point where it was hard for the layperson to read, but it told a very complex story with lots of intrigue that anyone would find interesting. It was filled with lots of images which help the reader clearly see everything happening through the years of Grand Central's construction, reconstruction, and renovation. Very good book for those who love the subject.

[覚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

弃了。如果真的是铁路粉应该会很开心，反正我提不起兴趣

[Mickey Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the information about the engineering innovations to be the most interesting parts of this book. There is a lot of background about the railroad barons and architects involved. There's also some NY city history. Toward the end, the author repeats himself quite a bit and my attention started to wander. Still, well worth reading if you like architecture or engineering or city planning, or are just a fan of railroad history.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars, really. An accessible book telling the history of this New York landmark in just over 200 pages (with many interesting photos and drawings); recommended for anyone who likes to read history about: NYC, U.S. transportation, architecture, and/or city life.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book facinating and very well researched. I enjoyed the author's style of writing, very easy to read with good pictures and drawings.

[Kevin Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that gives a great background on both the engineering and architecture behind Grand Central. Also provides historical background on NY and the railroad industry.