Who Built Penn Station in New York City? A Brief History
Penn Station, located in New York City, is one of the busiest train stations in the United States. It serves as a major transportation hub for Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road. But who built this iconic station?
The original Penn Station was constructed in 1918 by a consortium of railroad companies, including the Pennsylvania Railroad, the New York Central Railroad, and the Long Island Rail Road. The station was designed by renowned architect Charles McKim, who was also responsible for designing the New York Public Library and the Columbia University campus.
The original Penn Station was a grand and impressive structure, with a soaring Beaux-Arts-style concourse and a massive train shed. It was often praised as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
However, in the 1960s, the railroad companies decided to demolish the original Penn Station and replace it with a modern, more efficient structure. The decision to demolish the station was met with widespread public outcry, and many people felt that it was a mistake to destroy such a beautiful and historic building.
The new Penn Station, which opened in 1968, is a much smaller and less impressive structure than its predecessor. It is often criticized for its lack of character and its uninviting atmosphere.
Despite the controversy surrounding its demolition, the original Penn Station remains an important part of New York City's history. Its legacy can still be seen in the many photographs and drawings that have been preserved over the years.
FAQs
- How to get to Penn Station from JFK Airport?
- Take the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the LIRR and take it to Penn Station.
- How to get to Penn Station from LaGuardia Airport?
- Take the M60 bus to Central Terminal, then transfer to the E or F train and take it to 34th Street-Herald Square Station. From there, it's a short walk to Penn Station.
- How to get to Penn Station from Newark Liberty International Airport?
- Take the PATH train to Newark Penn Station, then transfer to the Northeast Corridor Line and take it to New York Penn Station.
- How to find luggage storage at Penn Station?
- There are several luggage storage facilities located at Penn Station. You can find them by following the signs for "Baggage Check."
- How to navigate Penn Station?
- Penn Station can be a confusing place to navigate, especially if you are not familiar with the layout. There are several maps available at the station, and you can also ask a station attendant for help.
I hope this blog post has been informative and interesting. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Additional Notes
- The original Penn Station was demolished in 1963, not in the 1960s.
- The new Penn Station is located underground, beneath Madison Square Garden.
- There are several ongoing efforts to restore the original Penn Station, including a proposal to build a replica of the train shed.
I would also like to add that the demolition of the original Penn Station was a controversial decision at the time, and many people still believe that it was a mistake. The new Penn Station is often criticized for being a "hole in the ground," and many people feel that it does not live up to the grandeur of its predecessor.
However, the new Penn Station is still a vital transportation hub, and it serves as a reminder of the city's ever-evolving skyline.