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Landmarks
Grand Central Terminal 89 East 42 Street Pershing Square Viaduct Enhancement Project
WHEREAS, The Pershing Square Viaduct (Park Avenue Viaduct), located on Park Avenue, spanning from Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street to 40th Street was designated a New York City Landmark on September 23, 1980; and
WHEREAS, The Viaduct was designed by Warren and Wetmore and was conceived as part of the original 1903 Reed and Stem design for Grand Central Terminal, with construction completed in 1919; and
WHEREAS, The design of the Viaduct is French in character with three low arches separated by granite piers with iron lamp posts; and
WHEREAS, The Viaduct is integral for establishing , enhancing and highlighting Grand Central Terminal’s historical main entrance at 89 East 42nd Street and as an important connector establishing Park Avenue as a north/south thoroughfare; and
WHEREAS, The Grand Central Partnership, the Metro-North Railroad and the NYC Department of Transportation are collaborating to improve and enhance the Viaduct in conjunction with the Centennial of Grand Central Terminal on 2013; and
WHEREAS, The architectural firm Beyer, Blinder, Belle has prepared a detailed submission for CB 5 and LPC detailing the following elements:
- Patch and repaint both sides of the existing three steel arches that span from Grand Central to 41st Street.
- The Viaduct’s facial, rails and the eight iron lamp posts will be painted “GCT green” and the underside of the Viaduct to be painted white.
- New identification signage will be added to the faux built up steel beam identifying the main entry at Grand Central and the DOT planned Pershing Square Plaza.
- Removable pin mounted bronze letters will be added on both the west and east facades.
- Linear LED lighting will be added to highlight the signage, the arch and the underside of the viaduct; all lighting will be attached with painted metal clamps and will be removable.
WHEREAS, Metro-North Railroad has done a paint analysis to match the original paint for the patching and repainting; and
WHEREAS, These modifications and enhancements are deemed consonant with the historical character of the Viaduct; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval the Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct Enhancements.