The construction of Pennsylvania Station (1904-1910) was a
monumental undertaking equally for the voluminous earth displaced,
incredible innovation, and brilliant French-influenced classical
architecture, but it also was a quintessential archetype of the Gilded
Age. The station reshaped the economic and social fabric of New York by
dislodging scores of families and local businesses. It had been built
for prestige and grandeur rather than sustainability and prolonged the
rivalry with the New York Central and Hudson River Railroads, leading to
the creation of Grand Central Terminal. Although the station was
successful for increasing passenger journeys, the rise of independent
travel after World War II and mounting financial losses culminated with
its unfortunate demise and eventual destruction. Nevertheless, through
the misfortune of demolition emerged the first historic preservation
laws, which have saved countless historic buildings, including its Park
Avenue rival.
