'America's world class station.' Dramatic new vision for Penn Station unveiled
MANHATTAN (WABC) -- World class isn't usually what comes to mind when commuters think of Penn Station, but the group planning to transform it has high hopes.
Vishaan Chakrabarti, of PAU Architecture, unveiled his firm's winning design for a massive overhaul.
Over the last decade, there have been numerous attempts at getting the rail hub redesigned. All have petered out.
This time around, Penn Transformation Partners, a joint venture led by Halmar and Skanska, is helming the project.
"What our ambition is - this will be American's world class station," said Andy Byford, special advisor to Amtrak.
The new iteration relies on Madison Square Garden selling its theater to make room for an expansive one-floor concourse with soaring ceilings - allowing more spacious platforms for commuters.
A new entrance on 8th Avenue will be inspired by federal architecture and the entrance at 7th Avenue and 31st will also get a whole new look.
The transformation would take six years and begin at the end of next year. The cost - $7 to $8 billion. The goal is to get the federal government to pay for a big chuck and those behind the project say fares won't increase to cover the work.
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