Why New York Destroyed 3 Iconic Landmarks | Architectural Digest

Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects returns to AD, this time to look at the history and creation of three New York City landmarks that have since been demolished—but are far from forgotten. From the once (and future?) majesty of Penn Station to the New York Herald building and the original 19th-century Madison Square Garden, Michael gives expert insight into these three historic architectural landmarks, why they were laid to ruin, and what came to replace them.

Director: Alice Roth
Director of Photography: Ben Dewey
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Hosted By: Michael Wyetzner
Producer: Skylar Economy
Associate Producer: Landrie Hatcher
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: Brittany Berger
Audio: Brett Van Deusen
Production Assistant: Ryan Coppola
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Additional Editor: Paul Tael



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[fabiana.carchi]

The worst mistake was allowing the demolition of Penn Station... Such a masterpiece.

[rainbowbunniie]

I still want to cry every time I see a picture of the old Penn Station. How they could have let such an amazing piece of architecture get torn down is criminal.

[DementedDistraction]

It's always baffling to me when I see how many magnificent gilded age buildings have been lost and how more often than not, have been replaced with mediocre, uncharismatic concrete slabs.

[jj]

The loss of Penn Station is deeply sad and it should not only remind us to maintain our built environment, grand and modest structures alike, but it should also be an example of why we need to reinvent buildings or places so that they continue to be useful to the community they serve. Michael, I would love to see a video of what you think are some of the best examples of adaptive reuse projects where a potentially endangered building or group of buildings has been given new life. I absolutely love this series.... please keep up the great work

[thelorax]

As an Australian who has never visited NYC, I really have no right to be mad about the original Penn Station being demolished - but it was a truly amazing structure and thankfully Grand Central Station was spared the same fate. Thanks for the video, Michael.

[brianrussell]

I love your quote, “we’re not judged by what we build, rather what we demolish”. Wise words indeed. Thank you for a terrific video on architectural history in New York and their international inspirations.

[pjeverly]

I would like to hear about the famous residential buildings in New York City. Or pretty much anything Mr. Wyetzner feels like talking about. Great series.

[mikev.]

If you can find a copy of the 2001 book "The Destruction of Penn Station" I highly recommend it. The photographs are both stunning and ultimately sad as well.
I guess (as noted in the video) the one good thing to come of tearing it down was the move to prevent things like this from happening again.

[akhillmufc]

Seeing these images of the old Penn Station is so depressing

[timdella]

One of those who opposed the demolition of Penn Station was Jane Jacobs who moved to Toronto later that decade is one of the most instrumental figures of how we were able to preserve our Street Car system.

[mikeydibiase]

His breakdowns are always mad cool and informative.

[marinedrive]

An interesting fact about Stanford White is that he had no formal architectural training - not unusual at the time. He was apprenticed and then toured Europe before joining an architectural firm - and yet, he designed some of the most beautiful and theatrical buildings of the Gilded Age.

[ElusiveTy]

I'm always so happy when Michael is brought back - please keep it up, AD!!

[skipads]

The Singer Building destruction was one of New York's biggest demolition travesties. It came as people really rebelled against losing great architecture for modern boxes to replace it.

[sofianester]

I love when Michael explains NY architecture. He’s super knowledgeable and i could listen to him talk for hours

[jakobdees]

love this guy! He explains so clearly. I hope this series never end. Love every episode. keep it up! thank you!

[LJB]

How about a video on 3 demolished opera houses: the Academy of Music, the Manhattan (Hammerstein) Opera, and the original Metropolitan Opera?

[crazyguy_]

One building I'm so upset that was demolished was the Singer tower and its neighbor the City Investing Building. Both were so beautiful especially Singer which is my favorite building that ever existed. I've read that out of every old building they demolished Singer Tower is the one New York regrets losing.

[craibinator]

what's extra gauling about the Penn Station teardown is that they totally could have kept the facade, and at least some of the ornate features and scale and still turned it into a modern spots arena

[Paulco]

Michael knocks it out of the park again with another excellent presentation