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Friday, Feb 1, 2013 7:30 AM UTC

NYC’s landmark Grand Central Terminal turns 100

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NYC's landmark Grand Central Terminal turns 100FILE- In this Jan. 9, 2013 file photo, the famous opalescent clock keeps time at the center of the main concourse in Grand Central Terminal is shown in New York. The country's most famous train station and one of its finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture in America turns 100 on Feb. 1. The building's centennial comes 15 years after a triumphant renovation that removed decades of grime and decay. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) (Credit: AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s Grand Central was once in danger of being demolished to make way for an office tower.

But on Friday the landmark terminal will celebrate its 100th birthday with speeches and a brass band.

The majestic Beaux Arts building is one of the city’s most recognizable. Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed there including “North by Northwest,” ”The Cotton Club” and “Gossip Girl.”

A previous plan to demolish it sparked a campaign by the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and preservationists to have it declared a landmark. Onassis’ daughter, Caroline Kennedy, will speak at Friday’s centennial celebration. Other scheduled speakers include “Sex and the City” actress Cynthia Nixon and former Mets star Keith Hernandez.

The celebration begins with a world premiere performance of “Grand Central Centennial Fanfare.”

More By Karen Matthews.

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