NYC’s Penn Station is the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere, and a public interest group is looking to return it to its so-called glory days of being “the greatest train station in the world.”
Architect, Alex Washburn, and nonprofit Grand Penn Community Alliance have named their vision for a reimagined Penn Station as Grand Penn. The proposal would include a new Commuter Hall Concourse inspired by the original Penn Station, a new Grand Penn Park and a classical façade at the 7th Avenue entrance.
According to the Grand Penn Community Alliance website, the Commuter Hall would be larger than Grand Central Station. Passengers will be able to move between the Commuter Hall and Moynihan Train Hall via underground tunnels.
The plan outlines that a replica of the original Penn Station clock will be displayed inside the concourse and restaurants and shops will line the area above it. The boarding level will be located beneath the concourse level, with projected ceilings reaching 18 feet high.
Grand Penn Park would span the size of Bryant Park, stretching across the current land upon which MSG sits atop.
The thought of moving MSG may seem absolutely absurd, but Grand Penn Community Alliance makes an argument claiming MSG’s age has led to inefficiency and that a new build would prove beneficial. Not to mention the City Council vote that only extended MSG’s operating permit by five years in 2023.
So where would MSG locate? Grand Penn Community Alliance proposes moving the venue across 7th Avenue.
At this time there is no plan to redesign Penn Station, this is just a proposal from Grand Penn Community Alliance. You can explore more of their proposal online.