Jun 9, 2022
MTA, in Partnership with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, Seeking Firms to Design Penn Station Reconstruction
Firms to Begin Designing Generational Transformation of Penn Station as Outlined by Governor Last Fall
New Station Will Feature Massive Single-Level Concourse with High Ceilings and Natural Light, Greater Connectivity to Platforms, Larger Entrances and Intuitive Travel Paths
Empire State Development Convenes Public Realm Task Force To Complement Overall Development Plan and Prioritize Public Spaces and Social Services, Invest in Affordable Housing, Increase Transit Access and Shared Streets, Activate Pedestrian-Friendly Streetscape
Video of Penn Project and Its Benefits to Commuters, Residents and the Public Can Be Seen Here
Governor Kathy Hochul with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in partnership with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, is requesting proposals from architecture and engineering firms to guide the Penn Station Reconstruction effort recently outlined in the Penn Station Master Plan study that was announced in the fall. Governor Hochul's plan calls for the transformation of Penn Station into a modern, spacious, light-filled facility that is easy to navigate, while also revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood to prioritize the public realm and social services, invest in affordable housing, increase transit access and shared streets, and create a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Penn Reconstruction will modernize the concourse experience for passengers with improved platform connectivity, streamlined wayfinding and enhanced amenities. The future expansion of Penn Station will add track and platform capacity and be fully integrated with a reconstructed Penn Station.
"The transformation of Penn Station into a world-class, commuter-focused transportation facility befitting the central hub of the greatest city in the world cannot come soon enough," Governor Hochul said. "We have shared a vision of a single-level unified station with soaring ceilings that welcome natural light, clear, intuitive sightlines, more circulation space and more connectivity to streets and platforms. With this announcement, the MTA is taking a concrete step toward making that vision a reality. Thanks to the efforts of the Biden Administration, Senator Schumer's leadership and the support of Senator Gillibrand and our congressional delegation, new federal resources are available to assist in creating a new Penn Station for the entire region."
"Penn Station is a major transportation hub that hosts millions of train and subway commuters along its corridors every year," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "Launching this infrastructure project to modernize Penn Station will result in a first-class transit hub that New Yorkers can be proud of and will improve passenger amenities and circulation within the station, create construction jobs and transform the area for businesses and residents."
"As the centerpiece of one of the most important transportation networks in the world, Penn Station requires an atmosphere and appearance that reflect its tremendous importance to the region," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "For several decades Penn Station has not provided New Jersey commuters and visitors with the comfort and convenience they deserve. Now, as a result of partnerships across agencies and state lines, we are prepared to take the next step toward the long-awaited transformation of this pivotal transportation hub."
In accordance with the master plan developed by MTA and its partner railroads, the rebuilt station will:
- Integrate train boarding and all public functions and amenities on a single level with broad concourses and high ceilings
- Create a main concourse on the east side of the station that will be considerably larger than the areas of Moynihan Train Hall and the Great Hall at Grand Central Terminal combined
- Double the ceiling height of the public concourses
- Establish clear sightlines to platform entrances to provide intuitive travel paths through the station
- Increase the number of stairs, escalators and elevators to the station's 11 platforms by 33 percent
- Improve/enlarge pedestrian entrances
The current Penn Station - the Western Hemisphere's busiest transit hub - serves more passengers than LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark Airports combined. Amtrak's operation in the new Moynihan Train Hall provides an opportunity to overhaul Penn Station, eliminating the bulk of the first subterranean level to open up the main concourse to natural light, improving retail and other user amenities, increasing safety and security, significantly expanding passenger circulation areas, expanding entrances and exits, and making it easier for passengers to navigate within the station and to connect to their destinations beyond. The reconstruction of the station is expected to cost between six and seven billion dollars and is estimated to be completed five to six years after the start of construction.
Additionally, Empire State Development announced the creation of the Penn Station Area Public Realm Task Force, which will advise ESD on public realm improvements to revitalize and beautify the area around Penn Station, including reimagined streetscapes and new open spaces. The Public Realm Task Force comprises representatives of involved State and City agencies, local elected officials, community boards, civic organizations and other stakeholders.
Public Realm Task Force Membership
- Governor's office:
- Deputy Secretary of Economic Development
- Deputy Secretary of Transportation
- Deputy Secretary of Human Services
- Empire State Development
- MTA
- Amtrak
- New Jersey Transit
- New York City Mayor's Office
- NYC Dept of Transportation
- NYC Dept of City Planning
- NYC Economic Development Corporation
- Manhattan CBs 4 and 5 (2 appointees from each Board)
- Civic organizations
- Regional Plan Association
- 34th Street Partnership
- Developers in GPP Area
- MSG
- Congressman Jerrold Nadler
- Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
- State Senator Brad Hoylman
- State Senator Robert Jackson
- State Senator Liz Krueger
- Assemblyman Richard Gottfried
- Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
- Councilmember Erik Bottcher
The Task Force will be charged with developing a Public Realm Concept Plan, assisted by noted architect Claire Weisz's WXY Studio, that includes a prioritized list of desired public improvements like the designs of streets and open spaces, and guiding principles for additional public realm design, programming, and operations. ESD and the Task Force will also work closely with the New York City Department of City Planning to ensure its work is coordinated and consistent with the City's broader public realm planning goals.
A Penn Station Area Public Realm Fund will be created, funded by a portion of the real estate revenues generated by new redevelopment of the GPP sites, starting with a commitment of $50 million in early project revenues.
Governor Hochul today also announced the premiere of a video showcasing the State's vision for a new Penn Station and for the revitalization of the area surrounding it. The video encapsulates public presentations made during more than one hundred meetings to community groups and elected officials over the past two years, so all New Yorkers can understand the plan, and how - after decades of trying -- New York can finally build a New Penn Station, worthy of the Empire State. The digital video can be found here and on a new webpage about the project.
In parallel with Penn Reconstruction design, the railroads anticipate beginning a review of the Penn Reconstruction project under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. That review will include robust outreach as required by law and will be supplemented by a Station Working Advisory Group to ensure as many local and regional voices as possible are heard and the best ideas are incorporated into the design.
Reimagining the station is part of the Governor's commitment to ensuring equitable transit access and achieving economic development. This will be particularly beneficial for users of the forthcoming Metro-North Railroad stations in the East Bronx (Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester, and Hunts Point), for whom travel times to and from Midtown will be reduced by up to 50 minutes as a result of Penn Access.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The revitalization of Penn Station will catalyze new investments and development in the surrounding neighborhoods, supporting the overall economic growth of the community, and provide a long-overdue modern transit hub for residents, commuters and visitors. Through the Public Realm Task Force, we will develop a sustainable plan for improvements in the areas around Penn Station, incorporating feedback from the people who live and work in this critical business district."
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, "This is a huge step in our ongoing effort to completely transform Penn Station. The MTA has already completed the iconic new entrance to Penn on Seventh Avenue and we are approaching the finish line on the project to double the size of the Long Island Rail Road concourse in the station. The next steps are laid out in the Master Plan we developed. Imagine a soaring world class station with high ceilings, open spaces and natural light - like Grand Central Terminal or Moynihan Train Hall. That's where we are headed in this next phase."
New Jersey Transit President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett said, "This request for proposals represents an important first step by NJ TRANSIT and our partners at the MTA and Amtrak to deliver the world-class experience our Penn Station customers deserve. Penn Station serves as a vital hub for the millions of NJ TRANSIT customers who commute to and from New York annually. I look forward to working with our partners on a design that ultimately transforms and expands the station into an open, welcoming and modern facility that meets the needs of today, and accommodates the demands of tomorrow."
Senator Chuck Schumer said, "The destruction of Penn Station in the 1960s remains one of worst planning decisions in the history of New York. For decades, millions of New Yorkers have been forced to suffer through the consequences of that decision in cramped conditions at the modern Penn Station. Today's announcement by Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, and Amtrak will be the first step in righting this historic wrong. A plan to rebuild and revitalize Penn Station will mean safer and more efficient commutes for millions of LIRR riders and, in the future, Metro-North customers too."
Representative Jerrold Nadler said, "New Yorkers have long deserved a renewed Penn Station. I'm proud to have fought for vital federal infrastructure dollars, which when invested in Penn Station and the Gateway Tunnel project will generate thousands of good jobs, render Manhattan's West Side more accessible, and provide the infrastructure improvements New York needs to recover from these tough times. I applaud Governor Hochul's announcement of a consensus-driven design and community focused process that will lead to a true world class train station and neighborhood worthy of New York."
Representative Jamaal Bowman said, "I am proud to see new developments at Penn Station underway. These modernization efforts are part of the Metro-North expansion that I supported last year and will assist neighbors throughout the 16th Congressional District in getting around New York quickly and safely. I am confident these developments will also be accessible to all furthering New York's efforts to make transportation inclusive for all under any circumstances."
Representative Ritchie Torres said, "A reimagined Penn Station with access to and from the Bronx and other boroughs will bring working families shorter commute times as well as much needed access to jobs, healthcare, and education. This project goes beyond the improvements of the station itself and prioritizes investments in affordable housing, commuter safety, and sustainable community spaces. I applaud Governor Hochul's next step in making this vision a reality for New Yorkers."
Assemblymember Richard Gottfried said, "The State, City and railroads are finally coming together to create a people-first modern PennStation and a first class public realm. We have endured the conditions in and around Penn Station for far too long. Thanks to Governor Hochul'sleadership, we are on the way to achieving what many thought was impossible: a Penn Station and surrounding streetscape that will make New Yorkers proud."
State Senator Tim Kennedy said, "Penn Station is a critical piece of New York City's transportation infrastructure, but its patrons deserve a better experience. This reconstruction plan will enhance the experience for travelers and improve accessibility as well as the overall neighborhood's wellbeing. I thank Governor Hochul, the MTA, and all of our partners for their cooperation in moving this vital project forward."
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, "This next step in the renovation of Penn Station is an exciting one. Public transportation is essential to the lives and livelihoods of our region's residents and economy. Thousands of commuters and travelers who go through Penn Station daily will have a significant quality-of-life benefit from Penn Station's reconstruction. Metro-North riders and reverse commuters will also benefit, supporting New York's job market and economy. The way to maintain and build ridership is to modernize major hubs like Penn Station, and it's great to see this ahead as the MTA begins this next phase."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "For too long, Penn Station has been outdated and inefficient, and for too long, petty disagreements have gotten in the way of progress. I am so pleased that these partners have come together and are working constructively to get this project done for New York City. We have more work to do, but with this partnership, I know we will get it done because we must — for the future of the city, the state, and the region. I want to thank Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, and our partners at the MTA, NJ Transit, and Amtrak for taking one crucial step closer to building the transportation hub that New Yorkers demand and deserve."
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, "It is beyond time that we realize a new, improved and modern Penn Station that puts people and transit riders first. Penn Station serves as more than a gateway into the city -- it's a key passage for workers, residents and New Yorkers who wish to travel to and through Manhattan. A new station will be emblematic of a New York City that prioritizes commuters and local users, and I look forward to working with the advisory group and the Governor to ensure that this vision is achieved."
President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York Gary LaBarbera said, "Today marks a critical step forward for the modernization and revitalization of Penn Station, a project that will lead to the creation of thousands of middle-class careers for the city's working people and breathe new life into this iconic New York City landmark. We applaud Governor Hochul for her visionary leadership in advancing this project of great significance to the entire state, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders and our partners across the industry and in government to transform Penn Station into a 21st century gateway that we can take great pride in."
President and CEO of the New York Building Congress Carlo A. Scissura said, "For decades, New Yorkers have been subjected to dismal conditions that have defined Penn Station and aren't fit for the greatest city in the world. Commuters deserve a world-class, rider-first transit hub that welcomes them into the heart of the city, with the capacity to handle more riders from the Metro-North expansion and the critical Gateway Program. I applaud Governor Hochul for her bold vision to deliver a Penn Station worthy of New Yorkers, and for taking action to usher in a brighter future for New York."
Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia said, "New York Penn Station is one of the busiest transportation facilities in the world. Amtrak is committed to ensuring its future for generations of rail travelers which will benefit the entire Northeast Corridor. As the owner and steward of the station, we are eager to advance the station's transformation. Our partnership with Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy will deliver a long-awaited dream to both reconstruct and expand Penn Station."
Amtrak President and CEO Stephen Gardner said, "New York Penn Station is more than just the busiest rail hub in North America - it is a gateway to the nation's largest city for rail passengers from across the nation. We thank Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, MTA and NJ TRANSIT for their partnership to design a beautiful new, modern and bright, world-class station complex fit for New York. With the support and collaboration of our partners, we will give the region's residents, visitors and commuters an improved station that increases its vitality to the city, economy and local community."
MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, "Rebuilding Penn Station starts with great design, and we are seeking world-class talent to assist us in this effort with this solicitation. Representatives of the three railroads will select this multidisciplinary team to support all aspects of the next phase of the project, including detailed design and engineering as well as the robust stakeholder and community outreach the Governor has committed to for this project."
MTA Long Island Rail Road Interim President and MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said, "The reconstruction of Penn Station is great for Long Island, and will be great for Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut customers on Metro-North's New Haven Line in just a few short years. With Grand Central set to host LIRR trains before the end of the year, creating the ability to connect between Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North under one roof for the first time, I am thrilled to see the Governor's continued commitment to creating a world class customer experience for riders of both railroads at Penn Station."
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "New Yorkers deserve a 21st century transportation hub that will spur job growth and economic development for generations to come, and they will get just that with this transformational project. I applaud Governor Hochul for her effective leadership in moving this ambitious plan for Penn Station forward and look forward to continuing to work with her to get this project over the finish line."
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