27 Grand Central Station Facts: A Brief History & Overview
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Grand Central Terminal (GCT; sometimes known as Grand Central Station or just Grand Central) is a world-famous commuter rail station in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, situated at 42nd Street and Park Avenue.
Grand Central is the southern terminal of the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines of Metro-North Railroad, which serve the northern areas of the New York metropolitan region. It also has a Grand Central–42nd Street Station that connects to the New York City Subway.
Keep reading to know more about this landmark.
Construction
Here are some very interesting facts about the construction of this world-renowned terminal.
Reed and Stem, who were responsible for the general design of the terminal, and Warren and Wetmore, who mostly made aesthetic changes to the façade and interior, created this terminal in Beaux-Arts style.
French artists and architects Jules-Félix Coutan, Sylvain Salières, and Paul César Helleu are known to have developed various components within the terminal.
Grand Central, particularly on its front, features both enormous areas and painstakingly wrought detail. The facade is based on Whitney Warren's general external design.
The terminal is well-known and well-liked by general people in the United States. Respondents named it the 13th favorite piece of architecture of the nation, and the fourth favorite in the city and state, behind the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, in America's Favorite Architecture, a 2006-07 public poll by the American Institute of Architects.
It was dubbed as 'one of the most magnificent structures of the 20th century' by historian David Cannadine in 2013.
The terminal has also been designated as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers, added in 2013.
Steel frameworks support the station and associated train yard.
Large steel columns have also been used in the structure, which was meant to support the weight of a 20-story office building that was to be added if the space was needed.
The terminal building's face and structure are mostly made of granite.
People who work full-time at the station get an average radiation dosage of 525 mrem per year, which is more than what is allowed in nuclear power plants due to the fact that granite absorbs radiation.
The exterior is made of Stony Creek granite at the base and Indiana limestone from Bedford, Indiana at the top.
The main concourse is situated in the geographical center of the station's structure, on the top platform level of the terminal.
The vast main concourse is 275 ft (84 m) long, 120 ft (37 m) broad, and 125 ft (38 m) high, with a total area of about 35,000 sq ft (3,300 sq m). Its colossal size was intended to convey the terminal's 'grand' status.
History Of Grand Central Station
Let's now look into the history and historic significance of this 'grand' structure.
The Hudson River Railroad, the New York Railroad, and the Harlem Railroad, as well as the New York and New Haven Railroad, all, needed a central terminal in modern-day Midtown Manhattan. Thus Grand Central Terminal was built.
The Harlem Train was once a steam railroad that operated down Fourth Avenue at street level, while the New Haven Railroad used Harlem's tracks in Manhattan as part of a trackage arrangement.
Cornelius Vanderbilt, a business titan, purchased the Hudson River and New York Central Railroads in 1867 and consolidated them two years later.
Vanderbilt devised a plan to merge the three railways into a single station, obviating the need for separate and nearby terminals, causing baggage transfer confusion.
Onsite the 42nd Street depot, Vanderbilt commissioned John B. Snook to build his new station, named Grand Central Depot.
Snook's final design was in what is called the Second Empire style of architecture.
The depot was finished in October 1871, a little over two years after construction began on September 1, 1869.
The previously made world-famous station had to be dismantled, and excavation work had to be done to enable the 44 platforms (all of which are below ground level) to be built.
The platforms are divided into two levels, with the upper level having 30 tracks and the lower level having 26 tracks.
Renovations in the '90s necessitated the reopening of the original Tennessee marble quarry in order to construct a matching staircase on the east side of the concourse that matched the west side.
Grand Central Terminal's station building has received multiple landmark designations, including that of National Historic Landmark, for its remarkable architecture and interior design. Several pieces of art are included in its Beaux-Arts design.
Economic Importance
The station has had great economic importance ever since it was created.
Many people get jobs by working inside the station and a lot of people are dependent on it for their living expenses in one way or another.
After New York Penn Station, the terminal is the busiest railway station in North America.
With 21.6 million visits in 2018, excluding rail and metro passengers, Grand Central Terminal is among the top 10 most-flocked tourist destinations in the world.
The terminal's main concourse is often utilized as a gathering spot and is frequently shown in movies and television shows.
Grand Central Terminal has a good many shops and eateries, including premium restaurants and pubs, two food halls, and a grocery market.
The station thus contributes to the USA's economy in multiple ways: through various employment opportunities, sales, government income, transportation of goods, and much more.
FAQs
When was Grand Central Station built?
The original Grand Central Station was built in the 19th century.
How old is Grand Central Station?
The original Grand Central is roughly 200 years old.
What trains go to Grand Central Station?
Dozens of New York City's trains go to Grand Central Station, comprising three main lines, New Haven, Harlem, and Hudson.
What to do in Grand Central Station?
There are a ton of worthwhile things to do in and around the Grand Central Station. You can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Empire State Building, or Central Park.
The East Staircase, the Sky Ceiling, and the famous clock in the center of the great hall are more famous places you can visit. You can also go to many famous restaurants near the railway station like the Grand Central Oyster Bar.
Why was Grand Central Station built?
The Grand Central Station was built for easy transportation. It is often utilized as a gathering spot and attracts about 21.6 million visitors each year, excluding rail and subway passengers.
What is the Grand Central Terminal in New York?
Grand Central Terminal (GCT; often known as Grand Central Station or just Grand Central) is a commuter train station in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, situated at 42nd Street and Park Avenue.
How big is the Grand Central Station?
Grand Central Station is a large station at 48 ac (19 ha).
Who was the architect of Grand Central Station?
The Grand Central Terminal was designed by Charles A. Reed (Reed & Stem of Minnesota), the brother-in-law of railway executive William Wilgus, & Whitney Warren (Warren & Wetmore of New York), and a cousin of rail executive William Vanderbilt. He was trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
How many trains pass through Grand Central Station?
There is no clear information about how many trains pass through Grand Central Station.
What neighborhood is Grand Central Station in?
Midtown Manhattan is home to Grand Central Terminal and Station.
What to see in Grand Central Station?
You can see the Whispering Gallery, the main concourse ceiling, Grand Central Market, or the information booth clock in Grand Central Station.
Where to eat at the Grand Central station?
Lunch or supper at Agern is your best bet for a business meal near Grand Central. This upmarket Scandinavian restaurant, located inside the station, offers a seven-course tasting menu. You can also go to the Grand Central Oyster Bar, which is very famous among visitors.
How far is Times Square from the Grand Central station?
Times Square is just 0.5 mi (0.8 km) away from Grand Central Station.
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Divya RaghavBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration
With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.
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