Grand Central Station Guide from New York Hotels
Grand Central Station (also known as Grand Central Terminal) is a major railroad terminal station in New York City. Grand Central is located in Midtown on Park Avenue and 42nd Street. The terminal has 67 tracks along 44 different platforms. The station spreads across two levels, both of which were built below ground. A wide range of hotel accommodations can be found within less than a half mile radius of the station.
The station was originally named and constructed by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt for his New York Railroad to serve hundreds of trains during the height of train travel for Americans. The original Grand Central Station was built in 1871. Since then, portions of Grand Central have been replaced and renovated to meet current travel needs.The station itself has been referred to by many different names, including Grand Central Depot, Grand Central Station and Grand Central Terminal. The real Grand Central Station is actually the name of the near by post office.
One of the most well-known secrets of Grand Central is the secret sub-basement known as M42. This area under the terminal contains the AC/DC converters that supply the traction current. M42 is not listed on any grand Central map. Historically, the location was guarded to protect against sabotage during World War II. Adolph Hitler knew of the facility and actually sent spies for the purpose of sabotaging the station. This plan was foiled by the FBI.
Located within the station is a wide range of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, newsstands and a food market. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Michael Jordan Steakhouse and the Oyster Bar. Many of the restaurants and stores are not part of national chains, with the exception of the Starbucks.
Throughout the Main Concourse, visitors will see a large open space. This space is usually filled with crowds coming and going. The Main Concourse is also where the ticket booths are located. This is also where one of the most recognizable landmarks of Grand Central is located. In the center of the information booth, the Grand Central clock stands high above the crowds. The clock has four faces made from opal.
The ceiling in the Main Concourse is also a point of interest. In1912, Paul Cesar Helleu was commissioned to paint the ceiling. Over the years the plaster began to fall, forcing a new ceiling to be put up over the celestial design. In 1998, the original ceiling was restored and years of nicotine and tobacco smoke were removed. One area of the ceiling was not restored in order to show the visitors what it had looked like before restoration.
Grand Central is also very recognizable from the outside of the building. The 42nd Street entrance provides the world's largest example of Tiffany glass. The glass surrounds a trio of sculptures of Roman gods and goddesses designed by Jules-Felix Coutan in 1914.
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