Aerial photo of old Penn Station
Although this was a very well known building, its destruction is even better-known; see this post on my personal blog for historical quotes on the progression of the demolition and the public outcry.
Avenue: 7th Avenue
Top front of the building, from 57 Street
Wrought iron windowsill decoration
Front of the building
A sample window with decorations
A highly ornamented column; for a lamp?
A mid-building balcony
This building, located on 7th Avenue and 58th street, was just sensory overload. The level of detail is just completely overwhelming. If ever there was a strike against this gothic architecture, this would be it. However, the ecorations are quite evocative: there are dragons beneath the windows; the lamp column are decorated as the pulpit of a cathedral; the the standard columns have arms as though a spread eagle.
What depth of consideration goes into this decoration? Is there a palatte of gothic architecture, or does the symbolism run deep with every building, and unique to the object?
New York Athletic Club
Arcade detail
I have long found this building, with its arcade high off the ground, to be enchanting, as though it is an Arabian castle or a cathedral in cross-section and in a diorama high on display. What is the story behind it?
