PAU unveils Penn Station redesign with Art Deco references
PAU has released a redesigned Penn Station renovation that references Art Deco and WPA-era federal architecture, replacing the minimalist 2023 scheme. The plan retains Madison Square Garden, adds a 450-foot colonnade along 8th Avenue, and brightens interiors with a 50-foot-tall train hall. The consortium Penn Transformation Partners, led by Halmar and Skanska, was selected by the Federal Department of Transportation and Amtrak. Former Transport for London commissioner Andy Byford will advise Amtrak. PAU principal Vishaan Chakrabarti acknowledged the influence of President Donald Trump's executive order promoting classical architecture. The design avoids explicit classicism, opting for a middle ground. Construction is slated for 2027–2034, with HOK and structural engineer Severud on the team. Restored bronze eagles from the original station will be incorporated.
Key facts
- PAU designed a new Penn Station renovation with Art Deco and WPA-era references.
- The design replaces a minimalist 2023 scheme by PAU and HOK.
- A 450-foot colonnade will line 8th Avenue.
- Madison Square Garden remains on site.
- Penn Transformation Partners (Halmar and Skanska) was selected by the Federal Department of Transportation and Amtrak.
- Andy Byford will serve as project lead and special advisor for Amtrak.
- Vishaan Chakrabarti said the design was informed by Trump's executive order on federal architecture.
- Construction begins in 2027, completion in 2034.
- Restored bronze eagles from the original Penn Station will be included.
Entities
Artists
- Vishaan Chakrabarti
- Paul Cret
- Eero Saarinen
- Carlo Scarpa
- Aldo Rossi
Institutions
- PAU
- HOK
- Penn Transformation Partners
- Halmar
- Skanska
- Amtrak
- Federal Department of Transportation
- Grand Penn Community Alliance
- Severud
- SOM
- Dezeen
- Gothamist
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Penn Station
- Madison Square Garden
- 8th Avenue
- Washington DC
- Daniel Patrick Moynihan Train Hall
- Domino Sugar Refinery
Sources
- Dezeen —