In December 1954, the real estate firm of Webb and Knapp (with William Zeckendorf as its president) purchased the option for development of air rights between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, where Penn Station itself stood. The truth, however, is that preservation forces had been operating in New York before any threat was posed to Pennsylvania Station. The 'Myth of Pennsylvania Station' is that the loss of this iconic building first spurred New Yorkers to act in an attempt to gain legislative protection for its landmarks. Popular perceptions of the history of New York City attribute the birth of the preservation movement and the local landmarks law to the demolition of Pennsylvania Station. Nevertheless, as an icon of New York City, the loss of Pennsylvania Station played an important role in shaping New York’s preservation history. By the time the structure was set to be demolished, it was dilapidated due to poor maintenance and alterations, and the architectural richness of the building likely went unnoticed by the vast number of commuters who walked through it daily. It possessed “Nine acres of travertine and granite, 84 Doric columns, a vaulted concourse of extravagant, weighty grandeur, classical splendor modeled after royal Roman baths, rich detail in solid stone, and an architectural quality in precious materials that set the stamp of excellence on a city.” 2 The demolition of the original Pennsylvania Station was announced on July 25, 1961. The building can be described as physically massive. “The voice of time remained aloof and unperturbed, a drowsy and eternal murmur below the immense and distant roof.” Thomas Wolfe, one of the great writers of the 20 th century, remembered Pennsylvania Station as a place where:

1 The building boasted an ornate exterior, arcade, waiting room, concourse and carriage-ways. The original structure was designed by architects McKim, Mead & White, in the Beaux-Arts style, and was erected in 1910. Over 500 buildings were initially cleared for its construction. The boundaries surrounding the structure were 31 st and 34 th Streets, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Amtrak dreamed up this plan 35 years ago and we deeply thank the Governor, Senator Schumer and the New York Congressional delegation, and all out partners for helping to make it a reality.The original Pennsylvania Station in New York City was a vast structure that occupied two whole city blocks. 'The beautiful vistas, modern design, new amenities and enhanced accessibility features showcase the kinds of improvements Amtrak is undertaking across our network. 'Amtrak's Moynihan Train Hall will deliver the world-class rail travel experience our customers deserve when traveling to and from this incredible city,' it read. Improving Penn Station, the linchpin of the transportation network in New York and across the northeast, has long been considered one of the state's and the nation's most critical infrastructure priorities.Īmtrak released the following statement on Monday: 'This monumental accomplishment is a shot of hope as we come out of the one of the darkest periods in our history and sends a clear message to the world that while we suffered greatly as a result of this once-in-a-century health crisis, the pandemic did not stop us from dreaming big and building for the future,' Cuomo said. It will be used by Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak passengers.ĪLSO READ | New York vows to prosecute medical provider accused of illegally distributing vaccine Work began in 2017 to transform the landmark Farley Post Office into a new station across the street from the old Penn Station. Andrew Cuomo, also a Democrat, announced on Sunday that the Moynihan Train Hall will be completed on time and on budget Thursday despite challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.Ĭuomo and others toured the new facility Wednesday to preview its opening. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a Democrat who championed the project and died in 2003. The new 255,000-square-foot station is named after U.S. NEW YORK (WABC) - The $1.6 billion project replacing Manhattan's cramped and dark Penn Station with a light-filled train hall is set for completion this week, with the first trains rolling out on New Year's Day.

Dave Evans has more on the $1.6 billion Penn Station project named after U.S.

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