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In this episode, we explore the history of the Pan Am Building in New York City. 

This 59-story skyscraper is located at 200 Park Avenue and shares a lot with the beaux-arts icon, and National Landmark, New York’s Grand Central Terminal.

Later in the program we are joined by Richard Roth, Jr., the grandson of Emery Roth, a prolific New York City architect who designed many notable buildings in the 1920s and 1930s. 

Richard provides a firsthand account on the design and construction process of the Pan Am Building as he had a front row seat. After graduating college, the young architect joined the family firm and worked closely alongside the building’s famous architects and project developer. 

The Pan Am Building  has been the topic of debate amongst architects, architectural historians, preservationists, and planners alike since the 1950s.

Although initially criticized for its location, placement, and for its alleged disregard for its surrounding urban environment, the building was infamously called one of the most hated buildings in New York City. However, the Pan Am Building’s architectural design is gaining popularity and respect with time

A special thank you to Matt Eberhart for his research assistance and Edward Condit for his donation in support of this program. 

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A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!