As one of the busiest stations in the Americas, New York's Penn Station used to be a congested, uninviting, and dangerous underground complex. However, passengers don't need to look any further than the January 1st opening of Moynihan Train Hall.
Work began in 2017 on the $1.6 billion conversion of the former post office into a transit hub, with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) leading the project.
Image Source: Global Construction Review
The 225,000 square-foot project, named in honor of late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, is located across 8th Avenue from the current Penn Station and increases capacity by 50%. It will serve primarily as a waiting hall for Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road passengers.
New York's Penn Station is not a single structure, but instead a vast complex. In addition to the super-block that extends from 34th Street to 31st Street and Seventh to Eighth Avenues, Penn Station will soon include the Farley Post Office building.
Image Source: MTA
Funding
The project has been funded with $550 million from New York State; $420 million from Amtrak, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and a federal grant; and $630 million from the developers, Related Cos. and Vornado Realty Trust.
New Penn Station Amenities
Connected to Penn Station by underground passageways, the train hall features a 92-foot high glass skylight, free WiFi, a business center, food service, and other features for passengers traveling to and from New York City.
Image Source: Dezeen
Future Plans
In January, New York's Governor Cuomo announced a plan to add six tracks to the Penn Station complex by acquiring and demolishing a full city block. The overhaul also includes creating a 700,000 square foot mixed-use development, featuring commercial, retail, and dining space. It is part of a $2.5 billion project that includes renovations and upgrades of the existing Penn Station.
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Dylan Kleintop
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