Ok, I know it's not called that anymore, but that is how I remember this iconic skyscraper when I lived in New York and I have trouble calling it the Met Life Building. I was actually shocked when I saw that it no longer had the famous "Pan Am" signage at its top!
This is the first building I saw when I exited Grand Central Station. It rises 59 stories above Park Avenue and is one of my favorite landmarks in Midtown Manhattan, with a commanding presence over Park Avenue. The largest office building in the world when it opened in 1963, it was the world headquarters for Pan American World Airways for decades and displayed the famous "Pan Am" signage at its top until 1992, when Pan Am ceased operations.
Best viewed large to see the details. This image was shot in color and converted to b&w.
Nice detailed shot here. Danny. Interesting commentary, too. Yes, it is confusingb when a well-known landmark changes its name; we have the same problem in London.
I like the way you have just shown the top of the building, it highlights the window detail and shape - better than trying to get the whole building in the frame.
love this angle Danny of this building is the building named after the Aircraft company Pan AM , or does it just have the same name but of a different company , as back in the 80s i used to love seeing Pan AM Planes landing at Heathrow Airport ,( UK) 727's and the 747's and taking off
@gerry Thanks, Gerry. When this building opened in 1963, it was the headquarters for Pan Am, the airline occupied 15 stories of the building at that time. The iconic "Pan Am" letters on the top of the building were great advertising for Pan Am Airways.
@soboy5 thank you Danny i should have read your information first as i took one quick look at the photo this morning i thought this is a nice building at this angle i never read the title properley.
@x1nij Thanks! It was probably before your time, but here is a brief summary of what Pan Am was: Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal and largest international air carrier in the United States from 1927 until its collapse on December 4, 1991. Pan Am is credited with many innovations that shaped today's airline industry, including the use of jet aircraft and computerized reservation systems. Pan Am was a cultural icon of the 20th century.
Hey Danny..Im a New Yorker too! I know im going to love all of your shots...they all bring back so many great memories of my childhood..My Parents Grew up in the Bronx along with my Grandparents..so lots of history there...I grew up in Northern Westchester but spent half my life in the city! There is no place like it! :)
How I remember this when it was the Pan Am Building. I used to work for that exciting airline back in the 60s....probably my favorite job ever. Love the perspective here.
thanks for sharing so much.