NEW YORK | Penn Station / MSG Renovation

[montydawg]

I believe our resident expert already gave us the correct answer on this topic.

[mrnyc]

ok boyos, a few are behind seven proxies, got it.

lets get back to development plz.



Potentially The Largest Rail Overhaul In U.S. History Is Happening In NYC: What To Know About Penn Station’s $7 Billion Transformation

The $7 billion transformation of Penn Station includes a massive new single-level concourse, natural light, and mixed-income housing to reinvent the nation's busiest transit hub by 2027.

Brianna Perry BRIANNA PERRY - STAFF WRITER • DECEMBER 20, 2025


Commuting through New York City is about to get a whole lot brighter–and more navigable.

A $7 billion renovation is underway to reinvent Penn Station as a “world-class NYC travel destination.” The dingy underground maze will be replaced by a modern 250,000-square-foot facility, and the station will finally trade its low ceilings for sun-lit halls.


more:
https://secretnyc.co/nyc-penn-station-7-billion-renovation/

[ChiND]

The Grand Penn Alliance Plan is the best one. It and ReThink NYC's plans are the only ones that ameliorate track congestion within the current footprint.

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by BK1985

I read that ASTM is resubmitting their proposal with a revised design. Cant wait to see some renderings of all the entries to see what we are working with.

They can submit 100 proposals. None of matters if its against what the city and states will do and allow, and they’ve already made their positions known.

Originally Posted by ChiND

The Grand Penn Alliance Plan is the best one. It and ReThink NYC's plans are the only ones that ameliorate track congestion within the current footprint.

The Grand Penn alliance has about as much say over what will happen here as you and a group of your fruends.

[ChiND]

Obviously, the decision will be made by President Trump based on Byford's recommendation.

By the way, NY Guy, is it correct that you don't think that through running will be implemented? If that's the case, what was the point of adding two new tunnels with the Gateway project if trains in those new tunnels will simply get stuck in the existing bottleneck?

Further, even if, arguendo, there’s no through running and MSG remains where it is, is it also correct that you don't think that the Felt Forum will even be demolished on 8th Avenue?

Do you believe that the “renovation” will consist solely of eliminating Level B and perhaps implementing some cosmetic work and nothing else?

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by ChiND

Obviously, the decision will be made by President Trump based on Byford's recommendation.

He won’t decide anything. Whatever disaster - or let down for those expecting a rebuilt Penn Station - happens, he’ll simply say he had nothing to do with it. By the way, they’ve already sent out the warnings to the bidders not to pitch anything that will obviously drive up the costs to the states and the railroads.

[NYguy]

DECEMBER 23, 2024


Perfectly aligned with the clock exiting through Moynihan…..

[ChiND]

Originally Posted by NYguy

He won’t decide anything. Whatever disaster - or let down for those expecting a rebuilt Penn Station - happens, he’ll simply say he had nothing to do with it. By the way, they’ve already sent out the warnings to the bidders not to pitch anything that will obviously drive up the costs to the states and the railroads.

Who knows what the final plan will be, but I'm curious, do you believe that the “renovation” will consist solely of eliminating Level B and perhaps implementing some cosmetic work and nothing else? Alternatively, do you think that even that won't happen, and the "renovation" will essentially consist of nothing?

[Nexis4Jersey]

Originally Posted by ChiND

Obviously, the decision will be made by President Trump based on Byford's recommendation.

By the way, NY Guy, is it correct that you don't think that through running will be implemented? If that's the case, what was the point of adding two new tunnels with the Gateway project if trains in those new tunnels will simply get stuck in the existing bottleneck?

Further, even if, arguendo, there’s no through running and MSG remains where it is, is it also correct that you don't think that the Felt Forum will even be demolished on 8th Avenue?

Do you believe that the “renovation” will consist solely of eliminating Level B and perhaps implementing some cosmetic work and nothing else?

The MTA has no real incentive to Through run as they are largely separate from Amtrak on the Northern end of the station. They spent a billion on the queens side separating the 2 from each other, and the trains that don't immediately turn around at Penn go straight into the West Side Yard.

NJT would need billions in capacity and station upgrades and new rolling stock before it could through run beyond Sunnyside Yard. The current double-decker train sets they use are a major bottleneck for passenger flow and would be a nightmare if through running became popular. Most of the Morris & Essex is still low level platform and would need to be raised to high level platform in order to handle the increased volume and let the agency have a uniform rolling stock height.

Rethinknyc has also proposed closing the Sunnyside Yard which is one of the largest Passenger yards in the World and moving it to The Bronx which is the CSX yard.. When you point out the issues with their plan, they dodge the questions, and they also hired an Anti-Affordable housing lawyer to lead them. They were so anti-Penn Station South to save the block but are quiet about the Upzoning and redevelopment that is likely to happen anyway.

[ChiND]

Byford dealt with those issues when he implemented through running in London.

I’m still curious if NYGuy (or anyone else) believes that the “renovation” will consist solely of eliminating Level B and perhaps implementing some cosmetic work and nothing else?

[Nexis4Jersey]

Originally Posted by ChiND

Byford dealt with those issues when he implemented through running in London.

I’m still curious if NYGuy (or anyone else) believes that the “renovation” will consist solely of eliminating Level B and perhaps implementing some cosmetic work and nothing else?

NY and NJ are 2 separate states with 2 separate agencies...totally different scenario.. I really don't the state to focus anymore resources on NY commuters , the millions who commute into Urban Jersey have been neglected for decades, leading to damaging levels of gridlock.. If this project will cost more a billion I can't see it going over well in NJ...

[montydawg]

I believe the most likely scenario will be this project will be promoted to get New Yorkers excited about transformative change, then it will be yanked and halted before implementation to be used in some leverage or negotiation to get concessions on some conservative priority nationally. This will be designed to show trump leveraging power over liberals and elites in New York City. Trump does not care about New York City commuters. This carrot and stick game is designed to show everyone how much power he has in giving us things we want.

[Crawford]

I think this is all a dog and pony show, and absolutely nothing will happen, until you-know-who is gone.

[ChiND]

Through running, which is proposed only by the Grand Penn Alliance and by ReThinkNYC, and who both advocate moving the worst arena in sports, is the only way to increase capacity in the current footprint.

https://www.archpaper.com/2025/10/andy-byford-next-steps-penn-station-construction-2027/

Byford will first screen letters of interest from potential development partners for credibility and credentials, solicit formal proposals from a shortlist through next spring, and make a recommendation in May 2026 to the Amtrak Board. The board will then decide on whether or not to forward the plan to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the President. Byford is resolved to prevent obstacles at those final stages by approving only a project that meets a robust criteria for capacity...

Amtrak’s Andy Byford outlines next steps to get Penn Station under construction by the end of 2027
By Bill Millard • October 31, 2025

[ChiND]

https://calendar.aiany.org/2026/01/08/the-penn-station-problem-a-solution-with-andy-byford/

The Penn Station Problem: A Solution with Andy Byford
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Jan 08, 2026
1.5 LU / 1.5 HSW
Please note that In-Person registration for this event is sold out; Zoom access is still available.

The AIANY Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is honored to welcome Andy Byford, the globally experienced former head of New York City Transit, to discuss the problem of Penn Station in its current form. Byford was appointed in 2025 by the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead Amtrak’s Penn Station reconstruction after the federal government took control of the project from New York State. Known for his hands-on leadership and modernization efforts in major transit systems worldwide, Byford has observed Penn Station’s cramped and outdated conditions and is now driving a fast-tracked plan to select a master developer by 2026, coordinate across Amtrak, the MTA, and NJ Transit, and explore capacity-boosting changes like through-running.

Tasked with starting construction by 2027, Byford is seen by supporters as a rare leader with the credibility to break decades of political gridlock and finally transform Penn Station into a functional, modern gateway.

The program will begin with a short presentation of Penn Station/MSG history and several solutions which proposed over the years since. This will be followed by a panel discussion with AIANY Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members and a Q&A with the audience. We hope to see you there!

Speakers:
Andy Byford, Executive Vice President, Amtrak
Allen Swerdlowe, FAIA, Fulbright Foundation Specialist, Richardson Fellow, AIANYS
Eve Michel, AIA, Columbia University Adjunct, Construction Administration; Owner Advisor, eMrecon Consulting
Jim Wright, AIA, Advocacy Director, AIANY Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Tom Grassi, FAIA, Design Director, HNTB; Co-Chair, AIANY Transportation + Infrastructure Committee

[SammyBaby]

SOME HINTS THAT MOVING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IS PREFFERED BY 2 OUT OF THE 3 REMAINING CONTENDERS:

https://www.westsidespirit.com/news/then...d-will-new-penn-plans-push-msg-AH5494471

[ChiND]

MSG is building a new sphere in the suburbs of D.C. I find it unfathomable that they do not want to replace the worst arena in sports.

https://www.dezeen.com/2026/01/20/national-harbor-sphere-washington-dc-maryland/amp/

[The New York Lion]

Originally Posted by SammyBaby

SOME HINTS THAT MOVING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IS PREFFERED BY 2 OUT OF THE 3 REMAINING CONTENDERS:

https://www.westsidespirit.com/news/then...d-will-new-penn-plans-push-msg-AH5494471

ChiND will have proven to be prophetic.

Incredible.

A new MSG is much warranted.

In 20 years, the Penn Station area could connect with Hudson Yards and Midtown and Times Square via the Bus Terminal redevelopment.

It would be the single largest agglomeration of skyscrapers in a single district in the world.

[Busy Bee]

This is when NYguy swoops in and reminds us all he knows better and how the moving of MSG across the street is not only never going to happen but also aparantly outlandish and preposterous and anyone suggesting it's possibility crazy or a fool.





Mmmmm. Looking juicy huh NYguy???

[ChiND]

https://www.archpaper.com/2026/01/amtrak-shortlist-penn-station/