Leave Penn Station Alone: It’s Time
Being a New Yorker who actually doesn’t hate Penn Station might just make me the most ridiculed man in New York City.
My celebration is not for the original Penn Station that was demolished in the 1960s, and not for the futuristic “visions” that may never come to fruition.
My appreciation is for the current Penn Station in all its supposed ugliness, overcrowding, and dysfunction.
In a city where disliking Penn Station is almost a cultural norm, my positive view towards it feels almost taboo.
The perception of Penn Station as a maze of filth is deeply ingrained in our local psyche. Liking it is akin to expressing joy about the Dodgers and Giants moving to California.
But I stand by my belief that the current sprawling, underground complex, stretching from Seventh to Ninth Avenue, is vastly improved for travelers compared to a decade ago, with certain parts even being delightful.
Penn Station will never be a West Side version of Grand Central Terminal.
We don’t need to undergo major construction projects or demolish buildings to create an entirely new Penn Station, as Governor Hochul envisions.
Moving Madison Square Garden, which sits on top of it, is unnecessary and unrealistic.
The desire to recapture the grandeur of the original Penn Station is noble but impractical.
Recent improvements by Vornado Realty Trust, the MTA, Amtrak, the LIRR, and New Jersey Transit have made the complex more attractive and easier to navigate than ever before.
Architectural historian Vincent Scully famously criticized the replacement of the original Penn Station, describing it as a cheap and graceless underground warren.
Today, the station does not evoke feelings of godliness or vermin-like scuttling.
Recent alterations and additions have addressed many of the issues that made the station unpleasant for commuters and travelers.
Vornado’s efforts, including the creation of the $1.6 billion Moynihan Train Hall, have been commendable.
The complex is now cleaner and more secure, with improved amenities and better lighting.
While there are still areas that need improvement, the overall functionality of Penn Station has improved significantly.
Efforts to replicate the spirit of the original Penn Station are destined to fall short due to the lack of materials and labor skills available today.
Until we can revive the past “Star Trek”-style, let’s appreciate the current Penn Station instead of clamoring for a new one.
