Columbus Circle Is the first roundabout in the history of the world. It was completed in 1905 and renovated in 2005, a century later. Understanding the history of the site will give some insight into use patterns and what contributing factors led to specific renovations. Like many of the sites I am studying, Columbus Circle presented a major impact on the surrounding community, both positive and negative. As a major landmark in New York City, it is a point of attraction, dispute, and a datum for some of New York's main streets. The monument of the circle, named after Christopher Columbus, was created by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo and erected in 1892, New York's commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus landing in the Americas. The inner circle is approximately 36,000 square feet (3,300m^2) and the outer circle is approximately 148,000 square feet (13,700s m^2). Adjacent to the circle are four major buildings: The Time Warner Center, Museum of Arts and Design, Trump International Hotel and Tower, and Central Park South. Most of the buildings adjacent to the roundabout are fairly new. To study "historic" buildings I will adhere to the definition of historic by the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 which states, that is, districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. that acknowledges significance at the local level "historic properties", that is, districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology This inclusive approach and broad definition have enabled those concerned with public archeology and archeological preservation to work within the general umbrella of the national historic preservation program.
Bibilogrophy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Circle, http://www.preservationnation.org/
Columbus Statue at the center of the round about.
This is one of the most historical buildings on the site. 1841 Broadway, also known as The Columbus Circle Building was built in 1924 by H.H. & C.N. Whinston Architects. The Beaux Arts Renaissance Revival building supports 12 levels on a 117,115 square foot project area and mainly served to house office spaces.
Columbus Circle 1933.
The Time Warner Center is the newest development on the site. This high-rise structure supports 57 floors for multi-use including: hotel, office, residential units, restaurant, retail, and a theatre. It was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLp in 2004. The materials that make up the exterior are glass, steel, granite, and concrete. This modern building received tremendous backlash from the surrounding communities, mainly "Hell's Kitchen" located just South of the building.
The highrise building is can be seen from a far distance, making it an asset as a way finding landmark for the circle that the statue alone may not be able to reach.
Bibliography:
http://theboweryboys.blogspot.com/2009/08/pre-trump-columbus-circle-1933.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anomalous_a/5358954831/meta/
Rather than limit your research comparison to new buildings vs. historically designated architecture, your research focus may well be more gratifying if you simply compare the oldest and the newest building at each site -- regardless of their architectural significance.
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