Pennsylvania Station Research Paper

Abstract (turn this into intro) The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission was formed to protect and preserve the buildings and neighborhoods that make the city unique, and are representative of its history and culture. Formed as a reaction to the controversial destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station, the Commission is the largest preservation agency in the nation .

While the history of the city is certainly important, critics argue it prevents necessary and inevitable development. The land that is taken up by historical buildings is not being utilized to its full economic potential . I examine the amount of buildings landmarked over time, in each borough, and in the city as a whole, to look for an indicator of the act no

Designed by McKim, Mead and White to look like the Roman baths of Caracalla, the Station was the largest building erected all at once at the time. It was absolutely massive; taking up nine acres between 7th Ave and 8th Ave and 33rd St to 35 St. The Station was a magnificent reminder of the opulence of the Gilded Age, however this was not a desirable look to some. More important than the value of the architecture, however, was the value of train travel and the land it was located on. New York’s “Master Builder,” Robert Moses, was a true believer in the automobile as the future of the United States, and this was reflected in his public works. Moses built highways and bridges, and this decreased the practical value of Pennsylvania Train Station. In fact, the destruction of Penn Station was one factor that contributed to public opposition against Moses who was known for his focus on development and disregard for historical value. Due to the change in economic circumstances, the owners, Pennsylvania Railroad, were out of money and looked for a way out of their financial

As a result, they were looking for opportunities to expand, and set their eyes on the land that Penn Station occupied. Initially, it was communicated that part of the building would be incorporated into the new Madison Square Garden.1 However, it very quickly became clear that Penn Station would be completely leveled to the ground. With this revelation came a mobilization of architects opposed to this plan, called Action Group for Better Architecture in New York (ABAGNY). A year after the plan to replace Penn Station was announced, ABAGNY organized a protest against the plan. For a year they led the fight against the demolition, suggesting renovating or reusing the building, and making the point that the construction should not go forward as the “proposed space was already designated for a public purpose.” As unanimously agreed upon as it is today that the destruction of Penn Station was a tragic loss, at the time few were affected. Thus in these protests and action against the building of Madison Square