Why NYC’s Grand Central is So Hard to Build Around | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest

[@RobMyself]

Never stop making architecture content about NYC. I can't get enough!

[@szmiri87]

I worked in the Helmsley building for 5 years and I never felt the elevators were inefficient (the AC maybe, but not the elevators). The lobby was always beautiful to walk in and out of.

[@eshoandy]

I am thankful for Nick Potts in these video. He is so knowledgeable and well spoken.

[@Lifeasweknowit24]

He is also just talking about efficiency, like it's all that matters about buildings,

[@blahdeblaaah9445]

The Helmsley building is gorgeous. I’m happy it got protected and remains in tact.

[@brifer_350]

I do wish they’d also have a focus on making the buildings more beautiful with all the focus on efficiency they forget the importance of ornamental design on buildings.

[@NewYorkRecordingsNYC]

Doesn’t help the at universities hardly teach classical architecture and constantly bias their students into building modernist via grades

[@lorinotarius]

Yes, THIS!!!

[@jbro2780]

Unfortunately the appearance of a building and it’s cost have an inverse ratio, however there is a general shift towards more pleasing building architecture today like with J.P. Morgan building in the video taking on a wedding cake form just on a larger and more modern scale

[@dennisnguyen8105]

@@NewYorkRecordingsNYC architect design what the customers want.

[@NewYorkRecordingsNYC]

@@dennisnguyen8105 That is true, however, being taught classical design and modernist design should be a viable thing, instead of one dominating the other. Classical can be weaved in with modernist demand a lot easier if it is actually taught

[@josephlevy3959]

The Helmsley Building was built as the headquarters of the New York Central Railroad. Grand Central was its terminal, not the name of the railroad.

[@chriscal94]

Huge fan of this series and its presenter BUT, as a history/train buff, I can't help myself... the railroad that built Grand Central Terminal was the "New York Central Railroad" not the "Grand Central Railroad" 😎

[@TacoMan-sb2up]

If your in New York you just say grand central not new York grand central

[@aubreycrowder3903]

Congrats big bro

[@youtubesewersocialist]

@@TacoMan-sb2up ? *You're and obviously you just say Grand Central Terminal, but that's not the point. The point is there was no such thing as the Grand Central Railroad in the US, it was named after the New York Central. Grand Central Terminal is called grand because it was a GRAND terminal for the New York Central & Hudson River, New York and Harlem Railroad, and the New York and New Haven Railroad. If you're a so called historian, you should know what you're talking about when it comes to a subject, that's a given.

[@mirzaahmed6589]

​@@TacoMan-sb2up do you even know what you're talking about?

[@RodDiller]

@@youtubesewersocialist These are not historians, these are architects. Give them a break

[@masonjones3780]

I used to be a messenger back in the 80's. when you made deliveries to these buildings, You were allowed inside and upstairs. I always in awe of the beauty of these buildings. Many were already dated at that time but you still felt they were grand buildings. 20 exchange was one of my favorites AIG on pine street. These buildings need tours.

[@roadtoad7704]

Not a NYer here but sister lived in Brooklyn. Many times I've visit Lower Manhattan and walk around and there is just something about the AIG building that sucks me in. I've stood at its base and crane my neck staring at it. That was after trips to O'Hare's and the Down Under

[@richardkelly4667]

Grumman had a full size mock up of the Lunar Module in the lobby of the Union Carbide Building prior to the landing on the Moon.

[@MrOshirinoana]

This is the kind of fun fact I browse the comments to see.

[@richardkelly4667]

There was a staircase that allowed glimpses of the interior; no entry was permitted. The inside was entirely non-mechanical. I remember how claustrophobic it seemed.

[@tourguideStan]

A full-size replica of the lunar module landed on the stage at Radio City during the Christmas Spectacular in 1969.

[@tourguideStan]

The Belmont Hotel was destroyed to make the Philip Morris Tobacco (now Altria) building at Park Avenue and 42nd in 1983. I had always admired the underhanded craftiness of its architect, Ulrich Franzen. Although subliminal advertising has been illegal since 1958, Franzen designed a Tobacco company's headquarters to have ash-gray cigarette-shaped columns of granite out front and red triangles in the upper lobby walls that are very reminiscent of the red triangles on packs of Marlboro cigarettes. Just genius.

[@codetech5598]

@@tourguideStan _"A full-size replica of the lunar module landed on the stage at Radio City"_ I remember that. It even spewed real fire.

[@ljtinney]

I wish this channel would release videos more frequently!

[@grandiose_3392]

For real. Quality content

[@kevinmorin6389]

This is your best ‘walking Tour’ yet! Insights into real challenges and solutions of architecture vs. Focus on design alone is super interesting.

[@-awoman]

I always enjoy great footage of New York

[@joshuabrits6737]

The videographer/cinematographer did an AMAZING job. Stunning light, moments, color, shadows, composition - the full suite.

[@germansnowman]

Having just visited NYC a couple of months ago, it is fascinating to recognise so many places in the video! Really enjoyed this one.

[@cammieg4381]

And again, you've answered a ton of questions I've had about buildings in NYC! Thank you! 👍

[@TheLiamster]

I love 270 Park Avenue but I wish the Union Carbide building wasn’t demolished. I think it should have been preserved in my opinion. The newer building could have been constructed on a different site

[@jpp7783]

It’s a pity that a truly beautiful architectural jewel, the Union Carbide building, is razed simply because we’re unwilling to wait 5 minutes for an elevator. I’m as guilty as anyone-5 minutes feels like 5 hours when you’re waiting-but the loss of a truly beautiful space, and the wasted resources (levelling a skyscraper every 50 years is hardly ecologically sound) are tragic.

[@stefanvukovic1815]

all buildings designed mid 20th century are highly inefficient when it comes to energy, simply wasn't as important back in the day

[@invertir34]

Just for reference, the owner had renovated it several times and it just wasn't up to snuff. I'm looking forward to 270 Park to be completed.

[@jpp7783]

@@stefanvukovic1815 I’m sure that’s true, but perhaps we could invest in fixing them rather than erasing them. I’m sure the White House isn’t up to present standards, nor are the Vatican or Buckingham palace (or if they are, it s because someone has invested in them, thus proving it can be done). Also, even an inefficient skyscraper is more energy efficient than a suburban, single family house (given the lower ratio of external surface area to useable floor space that is inherent in most any skyscraper).

[@JackKack-kk5dd]

The Union Carbide building was not razed because of elevator wait times. I don't know why this video so heavily focuses on elevators, but they are not the reason for these new office buildings nor are they the most improved part of them.

[@filanfyretracker]

I guess one upside is the other HQ they had is still there up in the woods in Connecticut. Just a multi tenant building now since obviously UC is long gone. Its a pretty neat building.

[@dontarguewithidiots7459]

The Helmsley Building really does have that "King of New York" feel, perched on the end of the block. It's very cool..

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Thanks, Nick! I have always wondered how building over the GCT railyard was done. Very informative - just not long enough ☺

[@jobaecker9752]

Wow! Fascinating video and well done. I lived in Manhattan for a few years in the early 90's and took many many long walks along the entire grid. The thought of what was beneath the streets (and how it got there) was almost an unsettling feeling. Oh for the staggering amount of engineering that goes into things no one will ever see...

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Carbide bldg a classic of its time. _That_ was subtle not the ziggurat/Escher sea of steps shouting their novelty. As far as I see it, the elegant restraint of the previous holder of the address spoke volumes. This new one is slas not atypical of today's quick stick sthg memorable on the project and we'll get the brief. Yeah but then we've got to build it. Yeahhhhhhh....

[@1gustavofernandes]

We need more of Nick. More!

[@TireSpare]

I really do love history behind every new york skyscraper........ pleases keep explaining them to us !!! i never knew that !!

[@fhowland]

This video was way more interesting than I thought it would be!

[@jacobbwalters8133]

I LOVE the walking tour videos!

[@-Flock]

The way he talks to the viewer is engaging. I feel like I’ve known him for years

[@CubeAtlantic]

This is legit relaxin' & detailed to detailed Grand Central was always had that retro architecture.

[@c9917k]

Not sure if it was mentioned but Helmsley building was original the New York Central Building - Headquarters of the New York Central Railroad

[@tylerkochman1007]

Former name is mentioned, not sure if they make it clear it was the HQ though

[@ConductorSmith]

Big correction here, every reference to Grand Central Railroad should be actually referred to as the New York Central Railroad.

[@eddieg6436]

Nick is an EXCELLENT guide!! Very informative, and INTERESTING……a tricky combo to achieve. Bravo!

[@bauerma4]

Focusing on how beautiful historic landmark buildings don’t “perform” as well as bland modern office buildings is as American as it gets.

[@nolin132]

Focusing on efficiency and Quality of Life of the tenants over aesthetics and history is indeed as American as it gets (complimentary)

[@bauerma4]

Yes, I’m sure the tenants quality life was greatly hampered by looking at Instagram during their 90 second wait for an elevator. “Better tear down this world class example of an international style building!”

[@bigolfrags]

@@bauerma4 yep. I found it ridiculous this channel is called "architectural digest" while handwaving away iconic designs for "efficiency"

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

@@bauerma4 It's not just a single person waiting a minute. These buildings have thousands of people with hundreds going up and down at any single moment. A full elevator means waiting for the next one. That means the person behind you have to wait for the one after that. There's also transportation of goods. carts of files, boxes, etc. And if any of the elevators are down, it only gets worse. Congestion is not only a inconvenience but a safety issue too. Other than something like a fire, a lot of evacuation plans include use of elevators. The video never stated that it was better to tear it down, just simply state the fact they aren't efficient.

[@mleonee]

@@bauerma4have you ever worked in an office building this size? When you have a bunch of high paid employees with places to be on different floors, fast elevators save tens of thousands or more a day in labor.

[@ijchua]

The Union Carbide building is stunning

[@thenorthroom5614]

Best in the business, thank you Nick Potts!

[@lordtherapeutics]

Fascinating. Thank you. The lobbies of Grand Central and Met Life are the equal to the greatest ancient European buildings.

[@michaelolson571]

This was an awesome tour. I'd love it if you did this for more skyscrapers throughout NYC.

[@Szergej33]

This is so cool. Having seen in movies I always thought the GC concourse was underground. Turns out it's not, but everything else it connects to via stairs and escalators are elevated :o

[@ScottFerreira]

More of these types of videos please! Love this!

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

Remote is 100% efficient. No time wasted in commuting, no waiting at the elevator, no need for office space.

[@ConciousDigitalFootprint-gv3zy]

No innovation and designs for new buildings would be the result of remote

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

@@ConciousDigitalFootprint-gv3zy and this is a problem in a crowded city with a housing crisis?

[@ConciousDigitalFootprint-gv3zy]

@@playwithmeinsecondlife6129 i wasn't thinking of that tbh. I was more concerned about if jobs went remote and there was no need for office space, then companies or organizations won't be building modern buildings which would increase innovation and come up with new designs and ideas.

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

@@ConciousDigitalFootprint-gv3zy We need affordable housing in NYC more than office building innovation.

[@JackKack-kk5dd]

No it's not. It's inherently inefficient because now your workforce is spread of hundreds of square miles.

[@llluka5965]

Half of the conversation in this video is about how iconic landmark buildings are “just not performing compared to the newer more efficient class-a office building”… since when is that a priority for EVERY building to be the utmost modern at all times. These Landmark icons SHOULD and CAN exist without being compared to the elevator capacity/speed or other office capitalist metrics that Mr. Potts keeps reminding/prioritizing. It’s obvious and redundant …

[@snowballeffect7812]

Would love more interior shots and technical drawings. Great job, though!

[@TheAnimeist]

5:50 That is an incredible picture.

[@miriamzajfman4305]

Thank you for the most interesting Tour of the Grand Central ! Looking forward to see another exciting area of New York

[@sarahwardles1947]

LOVE these vids!

[@pennyjackson7921]

How I love these videos about this glorious city! (And I am not American).

[@justinliriano7704]

My girlfriend bought me a book about urban planning for our anniversary, and this video popped up on my recommended! great video, gonna check out more

[@peterlv68]

Only gripe is that Nick refers to the original builder of the terminal and the operating railroad as "Grand Central Railroad", when it was the "New York Central". Great video nonetheless

[@norseman4763]

AD, more videos like this please.

[@tlalicetears649]

I'm glad I found this channel

[@michaelhardiman7482]

In the 60s and 70s my dad worked in market research nearby in the 400 Fifth Ave building. At lunch we would sometimes go to the Biltmore Hotel, to the Men's Bar there, where there were no women allowed! (that's my recollection anyway). I drank a lot of Shirley Temples in that bar. His other favorite place was the Oyster Bar in GCT, where he would love to show me the echo in the Guastavino tile ceiling.

[@dennisd3]

The building is Grand Central TERMINAL, the railroad that built it was the New York Central

[@toddhensley880]

More videos like this please!

[@DonHendrickson-xd7jw]

Fascinating video! Thank you, sir.

[@amiull385]

Great video! Would love to see this series go international with similar videos in other global cities.

[@PeterEconomy]

Super interesting -- great tour!

[@Gee_be_Vibing]

Very much so

[@karlranseier6885]

The union carbide had 1.5m sq ft. The new 270 park has 2.5m. But I really really liked the carbide way more. The somewhat subtle minimalist design is way cooler than the flashy ‚look how huge and pricy I am‘. But than again, it’s a building for a bank.

[@ben.vision236]

9:55 I wouldn’t call that subtle, especially compared to the relatively understated and sleek Union Carbide lobby

[@joeewalker97]

Love when Nick is on

[@mdelmella9228]

Thanks for the video Nick, very inspiring :)

[@313Nadir]

incredible city, incredible civil engineering

[@maryoconnor2527]

This is probably silly, but I presume the point about the floor plates needing to be smaller before central air and fluorescent light is because rooms couldn’t be appropriately lit and cooled if they were too big? Like, if you only had a window AC it can only cool off a certain radius of space while central air can just put in multiple vents and each can cool off the same radius?

[@pjspence]

Great video! These always make me want to make the move to NYC.

[@HKim0072]

I'm convinced he's doing this without a script.

[@mastersingleton]

The Helmsley Building is a great candidate to be transformed into a 5 Star Hotel operated by The Fullerton Hotel thus expanding The Fullerton Hotel's operations into NYC and North America.

[@legostud]

The hemsley building sounds perfect to convert to housing due to the smaller dimensions.

[@mancroft]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@dundersquat]

Fascinating and informative. Well done.

[@Gregemio]

8:57 SUPER SUPER HIGH SPEED ELEVATORS (*Developed by NASCAR) !!!! ZOOOOOOOM !!!!!

[@theshypersistence]

Fascinating! Never really considered these challenges before 😀

[@Commentator541]

We want to be able to see it ourselves thank you very much, but this is sort of the next best thing.

[@Kenneth-f6l]

always got to watch the walking tours!!! C:

[@jaimerosado3896]

At Tower A at Hudson Yards, anybody that works above the television studios has to take two elevators, unless they use the freight elevator.

[@johnpotter8039]

Ummm.....Grand Central Terminal, thank you. Great video. I have been on a special tour of the complex. Great early 20th century architecture.

[@paulvincent3299]

After working in the Pan Am Building staring out at the roof of the Helmsley Building, in retrospect, all I could think about was the "Queen of Mean'. LOL

[@nulnoh219]

We have to start thinking of Elevators like Vertical Trains.

[@seanmurphy3753]

Great video. Loved it. I’ll try and circle back with a better critique that’s worthy of this video but super tired now. Had to at least get a comment and like out.

[@GardeningandMyDailyLife]

Những hình ảnh tư liệu lưu trữ cũ thật quý giá ,cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ với mọi người.

[@a-totally-random-person]

This beautiful building is totally covered. It's a tragedy.

[@donaldavis]

Great video and explanation! (I LOVE Grand Central). But it makes me wonder, did Chicago do the same thing (there are buildings that I think are above their tracks that have elevators on the "ground" level-huh?)

[@snoopywalker1881]

Fascinating for anyone who has been to Grand Central and then upstairs to the Met Life Building

[@charleshendrix232]

NY is amazing. I still get a thrill just looking at the majesty of it. However, they are destroying the skyline. Its sad.

[@danmcclaren5436]

I got an idea, as soon as you get inside the skyscraper, the people would go up a set of stairs, that way you have enough room for the pit for the high speed elevators

[@danmcclaren5436]

nevermind I kept watching the video

[@DonCapricornUS]

Incredible

[@bennettzug]

175 park ave would've been nice to get a mention as well

[@angkasal7333]

For the entire time I was waiting for the sponsorship ad to pop up only to find your channel name in short is 'AD' itself🤦‍♀️

[@jamesfarrell8339]

Excellent video Great job

[@filanfyretracker]

Empire State is probably optimal today, They have done a lot of renovation.

[@Hammerandhearth]

It's the NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD. The Grand Central Railroad is not a thing.

[@AllStars2525]

Amazing video!

[@giulianomarco]

I believe Clint Eastwood landed on the (then) Pan Am building in the 1968 movie "Coogan's Bluff".

[@Lifeasweknowit24]

THIS GUY WOULD DEMOLISH ALL BUILDINGS FOR "efficiency". Stop, buildings are not just things that have to run efficiently. They are part of history, part of nyc culture, and a testament of human ingenuity. Not everything has to be efficient. Sometimes, other things are more important.

[@Enrico-]

with that logic there wouldn't be skyscrapers to begin with

[@lucasgog]

Never knew a tragedy like the 270 Park Ave redevelopment was possibly, such a shame

[@AMPProf]

DO A 1820s-1920s-2020s Overlook befor the new skyline

[@truecerium4924]

What role does it play that lobbies of office buildings turn in to public spaces with retail and hospitality facilities?

[@definitely_notme4112]

5:26 it was the New York Central Railroad, not the grand central railroad

[@antihax_sniper8172]

Loved the video! But, could someone help me understand why high speed elevators need “pits?” I’ve been fascinated with building design and civil engineering since elementary school, but the concept of elevator design and its footprint has never really crossed my mind- my first instinct if I was confronted with the problem in the video would be to raise the lobby upwards. I was excited to see that the first example did exactly that. But, I still don’t understand why these “pits,” which seem just like mechanical/electrical rooms, can’t be built next too or behind the elevator shaft? Do they need to be built below for some mechanical reason? If so, why can’t they be built on top of the elevator shaft? Or beside them with a mechanical linkage distributing the power to whatever it needs to go? (As you can tell, I’m not informed on elevator design, so some explanation would be really helpful)

[@chaspfrank]

There was never a "Grand Central Railroad". There was the New York Central Railroad which built Grand Central Terminal".

[@Reconseal4050]

Not to mention how annoying hard its to navigate thru Grand Central if you were ever there for the first time!

Efficiency above everything. Waiting for 30 secs for an elevator is unacceptable, but waiting hours in the traffic, or travelling extremely slow on the dirty subway in constant urine smell is okay. Well...

[@mihailstolz]

I just know that Ted Mosby would love these videos.

[@johnmcanulty7341]

While a great primer: There is more complexity to these issues.