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.
iconic
Full view of the west side
Lower story statues
Roof tinwork
Comparatively mild north side
South entranceway
This is one of the gems of the Upper West Side; incredibly ornate, yet under the radar. I defer to The Upper West Side Book for additional pictures and copy.
Shabby extended shack
Like other iconic buildings, I tried to have a different take on this one, but those pictures didn’t come out. However, this funny modification made my cut; it looks like the ram on a giant triangular ship. The little shack they added would not be so silly, if not for the fact that the pillars visible through the clear glass are so out of place!
Do they have enough communications equipment attached?
This was taken from Madison Square. I have been told that during the race for height with The Chrysler building, the Empire State was not expected to have a needle. Can you imagine it without the needle? (I am actually told there is such an imitator in Houston, Texas.) It would be truly awful; basically a towering, art deco warehouse. As it is, the top looks like the bridge of a ship.
EDIT: As the comment below says, the Houston building is the former Transco Tower, now known as the Williams Tower. It bears some resemblance to the Empire State Building, but definitely has an other-wordly aspect due to its futuristic glass facade. I quite like it, actually.
Tallest building in the city for some time
This one is pretty famous; just google.
