The Secret Lives of Public Places:Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal Tour: September 27th 9:30am
Limited to 20 people-Please RSVP: http://hdc.org/secretlives_GC.htm, or 212-614-9107
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most familiar and grand spaces in New York. Join HDC as we explore a plethora of hidden spaces throughout this Beaux-Arts complex. Designed by Reed & Stem and Warren & Wetmore and constructed from 1903-13, the terminal was designated as an exterior landmark in 1967 and an interior landmark in 1980. Its landmarking was the basis for several lawsuits that ultimately affirmed New York City’s Landmarks Law.
This special tour will be led by Dan Brucker of the Metro North Railroad press office. Mr. Brucker will tour attendees through such well-known spaces as the Great Hall, Vanderbilt Hall, the upper and lower concourses, as well as such rarely-accessed spaces such as the newly-completed Operations Control Center, special train platform (used by president Franklin D. Roosevelt among others), sub-basement (which Hitler tried to have destroyed in 1942), glass catwalks, and more.
The Secret Lives of Public Places
Grand Institutions of Clinton Hill:
Travel to an era of opulence and craft in three of Clinton Hill’s turn-of-the-century structures!
Our Lady Queen of All Saints: A soaring century-old parish church. The white stone gothic structure styled after Paris’ Sainte Chapelle features original woodwork and rare four manual organ. Fourteen mosaic windows along the nave portraying 260 biblical subjects were restored in the 1970s. Original glass and iron ornamentation predating the Church remain in tact at the Pratt Library. Tiffany Glass & Decorating Co. designed the interior of Brooklyn’s first free library in 1896.
The Pratt Library: An extensive collection on visual arts and creative writing on uniquely decorative stacks and glass flooring.
Caroline Ladd Pratt House: Now home to the president of Pratt Institute; it is one of four mansions built by Charles Pratt for his sons. The Caroline Ladd Pratt House’s luxurious parlor rooms and second-floor stained glass windows are New York City treasures.
