The Penn Station Reconstruction is the latest addition to our portfolio of global transport infrastructure projects.

John McAslan + Partners is proud to be part of an international team that will transform North America's busiest passenger rail station – located in the heart of New York City – into a great experience for users.

In recent years, Penn Station has become increasingly dysfunctional as passenger numbers have grown and the existing infrastructure has deteriorated.

The station's current issues can be traced back to 1963, when the grand neo-classical Penn Station building that previously stood on the site was demolished. Despite a concerted effort by the architectural community and others to save it from the wrecking ball, it was replaced by Madison Square Gardens and a hotel/office building. The station was relegated to two basement levels below. Cramped and poorly configured, the subterranean station is congested, tired, in poor condition and no longer fit for purpose.

With the support of New York's Governor Kathy Hochul, along with MTA, Amtrak, and NJ Transit, plans to revitalise the station are proceeding. John McAslan + Partners was appointed as collaborating architect to work alongside a JV between WSP and FXCollaborative Architects on the Preliminary Design of the Penn Reconstruction.

Our team, led by John McAslan and Colin Bennie, is excited to be working on this city-making project for the people of New York.

The project will: expand the station to relieve overcrowding; improve navigation, passenger flow, safety and security;  rationalise operations and address structural issues; unify the station with the Moynihan Train Hall; and increase revenue generation. The emphasis will be on introducing natural light and fresh air, a hallmark of our station design projects globally. 

The reimagined and modernised Penn Station will deliver a vastly improved experience, making life better for the 600,000 daily passengers who pass through it. Much anticipated, it will serve the people of New York well into the future.

Our engagement on the world's biggest railway stations directly reflects our successful transformation of London's Kings Cross Station, cited as an exemplar for both Penn Station and our recently completed Sydney Central Station Metro Upgrade. Integrating beautiful and functional contemporary design into complex operational environments is what we are renowned for and we look forward to a new challenge.

"The transformation of Penn cannot come soon enough, and we look forward to building a world-class station that puts New Yorkers first, delivers a rider-focused transit experience, and a great neighbourhood they deserve."
Kathy Hotchul, New York Governor