Grand Central Terminal: Historic Preservation 30 Years On
Why it's still important


We live in an, high-tech, ever-changing and dynamic world of moving economies, politics, and culture. It’s difficult for many of us to fathom the histories the places we live, and the places we love to experience. Despite our ever-fading grasp of America’s history, our understanding would be even less had it not been for a ruling in 1978 by United States Supreme Court.

The case of Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City ruled that the city had the right to put in ordinances that would protect historical structures, such as the terminal, from demolition. It further stated that New York City's Landmarks Preservation Act did not constitute a "taking" of property under the Fifth Amendment. The court’s ruling went on to say that the Preservation Act was a reasonable use of regulatory power. This decision proved a milestone during a time of rapid modernization and continues to provide instruction and precedent for cities today.

Many may ask why historical preservation important? Wouldn’t it be cheaper, easier and more economically beneficial to encourage progress? The critics might argue that places and structures should function well and serve a purpose, and if that purpose ceases to exist or are unsuccessful, then redevelopment should be allowed, even encouraged. This could even be said of natural landscapes and places of cultural significance to indigenous people.

New York City in the late 60’s was a time of protest and questioning of capitalistic values. When developers unveiled plans to demolish Grand Central Terminal and replace it with a skyscraper bigger than the Pan Am building, no advertising campaign could pacify the outrage and outcry. Even the first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, opposed the redevelopment, stating

"Is it not cruel to let our city die by degrees, stripped of all her proud monuments, until there will be nothing left of all her history and beauty to inspire our children? If they are not inspired by the past of our city, where will they find the strength to fight for her future? Americans care about their past, but for short term gain they ignore it and tear down everything that matters. Maybe… this is the time to take a stand, to reverse the tide, so that we won't all end up in a uniform world of steel and glass boxes."

This sentiment was echoed by the Supreme Court’s decision. It’s also why many states, cities, and counties have been successful in adopting historical preservation ordinances. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the major advocates for preservation in the United States. The list of historic sites and structures that they have helped to preserve is lengthy. There are now many program and which provide economic incentives to owners and developer. Although many programs and regulations exist, it is still a matter of community support which ultimately decides whether historic preservation continues. The past can be read about, viewed through the movie producer’s perspective, or visited and experienced first hand. As in previous generations, we have a responsibility and opportunity to our give our children a glimpse of the world as it was. Preserving the past a as gift to the future.