8. Pennsylvania Station Was Only 53 years old When Demolished Started

Penn Station eagle getting driven away on a flatbed truck
One of the original eagles of Penn Station. Photograph by Norman McGrath

Pennsylvania Station, although looking much older, was only 53 years old when its demolition commenced in 1963. The glass ceiling had been painted over for safety during World War II and was never undone, lending to the perception of a station in decline. 

The once bright facade and interior spaces were clouded over by soot. Penn Station’s demolition was precipitated by the bankruptcy of the Pennsylvania Railroad company, which was forced to sell its air rights.