New images show plans for the Penn Station makeover

New images show how transit officials hope to transform the dark caves of Penn Station into a modern, light-filled transit hub.

The renderings show two possible paths for the Penn Station renovation – neither should move Madison Square Garden, MTA exec Janno Lieber told Wednesday’s monthly board meeting.

According to one proposal, 40 percent of the top level of the station would be eliminated – creating a single-level facility with 12-foot ceilings.

The other two-level alternative would keep more of the upper level in place, but create an atrium in a former Amtrak waiting area.

On 33rd Street, MTA and city officials want to move MSG’s loading zones to create a sprawling pedestrian plaza centered around a majestic entrance, Lieber said.

A view of a proposed renovation of Penn Station.
A view of a proposed renovation of Penn Station.
MTA

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s grand vision for the area also includes new tracks one block south of the current complex beneath the portion of Midtown that spans 7th and 8th avenues between 30th and 31st streets.

A third Penn Station concept presented Wednesday could take over the space on 8th Avenue currently occupied by the Hulu Theater, which is part of Madison Square Garden.

A representation of a
A view of a two level renovation to Penn Station.
MTA

But Lieber said disentangling the theater’s utilities from the arena would cost an additional $ 1 billion or more, and wouldn’t lessen the crowds on 7th Avenue.

“We have, I would say, underlined this as a priority, at least in the opinion of the MTA,” he said. “The 7th Avenue side is where the people are and where we need to prioritize.”

A proposal for the future design of Penn Station.
A proposal for the future design of Penn Station.
MTA

State officials are working with NJ Transit and Amtrak to determine next steps.

Lieber said officials need to act quickly to prepare for additional demand created by a new tunnel across the Hudson River, which officials hope will continue under President Biden.

“This is our chance,” he said. “We know we need a Penn Station ready to receive that extra capacity when the tunnels are ready. It’s not that far away. “

One of the proposed redesigns of Penn Station.
One of the proposed redesigns of Penn Station.
MTA

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