40TH Anniversary Of Landmarks Preservation Law Decision That Saved Grand Central Terminal Is Celebrated

Pershing Sq., Manhattan, NYC, June 26, 2018 -

On this day in 1978 the US Supreme Court validated New York City’s Landmark Preservation Law which saved Grand Central Terminal. The law was enacted 2 years after the destruction of New York’s Pennsylvania Station Beaux Arts structure in 1963 which has been termed as, ‘the greatest act of vandalism’. Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis helped lead the fight to save GCT from the wrecker’s ball against the construction of a 50-story office tower in its place. The Supreme Court’s monumental decision Penn Central v. City of New York was the culmination of a drawn-out court battle to determine the validity of the law.

The event was held across the street from the main entrance of GCT in the side street just to the east of Pershing Square.

“Grand Central Terminal is the Forrest Gump of New York City Landmarks,” said Adrian Untermyer, Founder and Chair of the Penn Central Day Committee, “as it is everywhere in American culture and beloved by all who know it. We look forward to throwing this building – and the case that helped save it – a party to remember.”

Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the Municipal Arts Society said, “This is such an important day because it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that affirms the rights of municipalities to protect landmarks.”

Architectural historian Samuel D. Albert spoke on the dramatic effect Grand Central means to New York City, “But now, and especially today, on this anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Penn Central v. City of New York edits components, those components are, themselves, important and worthwhile, that they all work together:  buildings without the subway are useless; the subway, without destinations is worthless, the greatness of New York lies in the complexity and variety of its urban fabric.”

Brad Vogel, Executive Director of the New York Preservation Archive Project reminded us of the value of effort, even when it seems like a lost cause, “Look up and you’ll see that massive Tiffany clock face – a reminder that, as Jackie O once noted, “If there is a great effort, even if it’s at the eleventh hour, then you can succeed.” He later added, “So let this edifice stand as a sublime symbol of the will of the citizens of this city to preserve amid the unceasing hubbub, what is best and highest, what we look to pass onto future generations even as the metropolis changes. And let it remind us, when our spirits flag, when the landmarks law itself seems diluted by degrees, to keep our chins up, to have hope and remember that the Landmarks Law has been an incredible force for good.”

The program featured a cake, a few choruses of "Happy Birthday" led by Olivia K, Brooklyn’s “soul-fusion powerhouse,” and brief remarks before attendees ‘retirement’ to the Grand Central Oyster Bar for cocktails, conversation and a toast to the decision. Attendees were encouraged to dress like Grand Central Terminal although none did.

The group did 'retire' to the Oyster Bar in GCT to raise a toast to the saving of this grand structure.

In addition to commemorating the decision, another event is noted. The event also marks the 20th anniversary of the October 1, 1998 rededication of GCT at the conclusion of a massive overhaul. In a huge celebration of the 85th anniversary of the building was marked by an appearance by John F. Kennedy Jr and former Mayor Ed Koch (who as a congressman, was joined by Bess Myerson, Jackie Kennedy-Onassis and Philip Johnson to save GCT).

Tonight's event kicks off a series of events this week at Grand Central in celebration of the 40 year old Supreme Court decision.

To see my blogpost on the dedication of the Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis entrance of GCT, visit : http://railientrails.blogspot.com/2014/07/jacqueline-kennedy-onassis-memorialized.html