The Restoration of Grand Central Terminal
Mark Nusbaum (MArch ’85, BPS ‘83)
Photo Credit: Peter Aaron / Otto
As a principal with New York City-based FXCollaborative Architects, LLP, Mark Nusbaum is the firm’s director of technical design, studio technical director, and head of construction administration. Experienced as a project manager and as a project architect, Mark is also widely viewed as an expert in construction administration. Nusbaum’s portfolio of projects includes the restoration of New York City’s Grand Central Terminal as project architect (1994-2001), followed by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Redevelopment, and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Renovation + Expansion. In addition to Mark’s experience in historic preservation and restoration, he has also worked on a wide range of project types including educational facilities, mixed-used/high-rise residential projects and office buildings.
Considered the Holy Grail of the preservation movement, the centerpiece of the Grand Central Restoration was the year-long restoration of the vaulted sky-ceiling, shown in this image of the Main Concourse. Additionally, the rehabilitation updated all buildingwide systems as well as significant revisions and additions to vertical circulation between the Main and Lower Concourse. These included new escalator banks and escalators, an upgraded Oyster Bar Ramp, and the re-creation of a monumental stair that appeared in Warren and Wetmore’s original design but was never built. The Lower Concourse, formerly one of the most deserted places in the Terminal, was reenvisioned and now filled with quality food tenants frequented by commuters and midtown workers.
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