What would the USA look like today if it had not lost its most brilliant buildings

America’s cultural heritage would certainly have been different if some of its most iconic and beautiful buildings had not been destroyed. It is impossible not to recall the original Penn Station in New York and the Mark Hopkins pre-modernist mansion - with the destruction of these architectural masterpieces, the United States definitely lost some of its splendor and splendor.

We will never see with our own eyes what America would be like if the 1906 earthquake had not hit it or if it had been more diligent in trying to preserve its original cinemas. Nevertheless, users of the HomeAdvisor portal decided to demonstrate to us, if only in a virtual version, this is the most “if”. They created a series of interactive reconstructions to show seven of America's legendary and forever lost buildings in modern urban landscapes.

Pennsylvania Station, New York

The original Penn Station in New York was rightly considered stunning in its beauty and style. This unique Bozar-style building was created in 1910 by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The modern version of the station, of course, cannot be compared with past splendor. The original building, unfortunately, was destroyed in 1963, when the city authorities were tired of the cost of its maintenance.

Singer Building, New York

This titanium, erected in 1908 in Lower Manhattan, at the intersection of Liberty Street and Broadway, was once the tallest building in the world. Nevertheless, this skyscraper retained the title of "highest" to some extent: it became the tallest building that has ever been destroyed intentionally. The demise was led by the fact that the Singer Building could not match the growth of companies within its walls. When the skyscraper was demolished in 1968, New York Times architectural critic Christopher Gray wrote that New York had lost its unique “heavenly radiance” charm. At the site of the Singer Building today is the skyscraper One Liberty Plaza.

Midway Gardens, Chicago

It's hard to believe that any of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations could have been torn down, though. The entertainment complex "Midway Gardens", which opened in 1914 in the Hyde Park area in Chicago, was as complex and interesting as the mind of its creator. Prior to this, Wright had never been ordered projects of this magnitude, so the architect put all his soul and strength into this creation. Unfortunately, the Midway Gardens was demolished in 1929.

Mark Hopkins Mansion, San Francisco

Located on top of Nob Hill in San Francisco, the railroad tycoon Mark Hopkins mansion was a symbol of Victorian excess and wealth. Its construction was completed in 1878. The owner did not see the final result, because he died shortly before the completion of all work. Unfortunately, the house did not survive its owner for long: it was destroyed in a fire and the 1906 earthquake that followed. The construction was never reconstructed. Now in its place is the luxurious InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco hotel.

Birmingham Terminal Station, Alabama

From 1909 to 1969, Birmingham, Alabama's main railway station, occupied two full blocks of the city. His profile in the Byzantine style aroused much controversy in those days, since the influence of eastern architecture was too exotic for some people. Stained glass windows and benches in the waiting room gave this place "religiosity." But the interesting design and unique style could not save Birmingham Terminal Station from destruction during the period of reduction of railways.

Beachfront Hotel, Galveston, TX

The famous hotel "Grand Budapest" from the film of the same name cannot even come close to this masterpiece in its beauty and scope. The magnificent building with a striped roof, built in 1882, lasted only 16 years. This rare beauty was destroyed by fire.

Hippodrome Theater, New York

The stage of this epic theater in Manhattan saw everyone - from the legendary illusionist Harry Houdini to the greatest circus artists of the last century. The first performance held here (1905) was called The Yankee Circus on Mars. The theater accommodated 5300 spectators and up to 1000 artists, but its fame was short-lived. The growing wild popularity of cinema played a fatal role in the destruction of the building in 1939. The office building, which now stands on the site of the theater, is called the Hippodrome Center.