One infrastructure project we're looking forward to seeing next year is a new entrance and canopy to the city's most vilified transit hub, Penn Station. Called the "East End Gateway," the pavilion will be the centerpiece of a semi-pedestrianized 33rd Street and provide a new access point to an enhanced LIRR concourse below ground. Overall, the two-phase, $600 million project aims to ease pedestrian congestion and to improve the commuter experience by widening and lighting the section's dank, low-ceilinged corridors.
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The portal-like entrance will lead to a LIRR/Amtrak concourse used by some 250,000 commuters each day. The plan will significantly reduce crowding, provide noticeably higher ceilings, offer new retail/dining options, and improve the connection between Penn Station, the New York City Subway and the soon-to-open Moynihan Train Hall. The MTA explains, "The project will eliminate congestion by doubling customer access and egress capacity to the LIRR level, enhancing safety and security for passengers."
The first phase of the project involves constructing the new entrance and canopy. Underway since September, the phase is set to finish in December 2020. The concourse improvements are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2022.
This rendering from Vornado that a sky-bridge will connect PENN 1 and 2
Credit: Vornado Realty Trust
Rendering of PENN 2 with the East End Gateway (Credit: Vornado Realty Trust)
It appears Penn Station's main entrance on Seventh Avenue will remain woefully inadequate
Above and adjacent to the station, the district's major landlord, Vornado Realty Trust, has begun work upgrading two of its enormous commercial holdings, One and Two Penn Plaza. While One Penn Plaza's (PENN 1) renovation is visually subtle—primarily composed of street-level enhancements, touching up the facade, and upgrading tenant amenities—2 Penn's (PENN 2) revamp is a bit grander. Just above street level, two office floors will jut out along Seventh Avenue, shading the existing pedestrian-unfriendly plaza below. Never-before-released renderings by Vornado show the 2 Penn's northwest and southwest corners will be cut away to allow mid- and high-floor tenants to enjoy open double-height terraces. Other planned tenant perks include a landscaped roof deck and lounge, and a versatile space overlooking 33rd Street that can be used as an event hall or auditorium.
Credit: Vornado Realty Trust
While Vornado is capitalizing on the strong office market, it appears the city, state, and federal governments continue to drop the ball in developing a comprehensive master plan for the area that includes building the Gateway project and moving Madison Square Garden from above Penn Station. Until then, all these magical renderings and LEDs everywhere are little more than expensive lipstick for pig-Penn Station.
Construction on Penn Station's East End Gateway in mid December 2019
The Pennsylvania Hotel won't be redeveloped in the near future and has new LED signs facing Seventh Avenue
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New Developments Editor
Ondel Hylton
Ondel is a lifelong New Yorker and comprehensive assessor of the city's dynamic urban landscape.
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