October 14, 2011
Article from the Fall 2011 Newsletter

A half-century after the original Pennsylvania Station was slated for demolition, the magnificent structure survives only in the City’s memory, but its loss remains a milestone in New York City’s preservation history. This legacy is captured in “The Rise and Fall of Pennsylvania Station,” a one-hour documentary directed by photographer and preservationist Michael Tramis. The film includes interviews with such notable figures as David Childs, Vincent Scully, Philip Johnson, Paul Goldberger, and Hilary Ballon. Demonstrating the dynamism of archival material, the film brings Penn Station back to life through stock film footage, never-before-seen private collections of still images, and scenes from classic movies featuring Penn Station, as well as original 3D graphics that create a virtual tour through the lost station.

Projected for completion in late 2011, the documentary is intended to be presented on television as the first of a series on demolished buildings of New York City. However, until now the project has been funded solely by the filmmaker, and a fundraising goal of $200,000 remains to cover post-production costs. Sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts, the team is seeking tax-deductible financial contributions to ensure that the project can be fully realized. To learn more, make a donation, or view the trailer online, please visit www.pennstationdoc.com.