In 1998, Tobias Frere-Jones designed Grand Central for 212 Associates from late-twenties capitals hand-painted on the walls of Grand Central Station. The design is a distinguished Beaux Arts descendant of the great French Oldstyle originated by Louis Perrin in Lyons in 1846, known across Europe as Elzevir and in the U.S. as De Vinne.

Lettering from different areas was combined for Light; Bold was designed for more distant signs.