Feds pick design for Penn Station rebuild, won't move Madison Square Garden

Key Points:

• Amtrak and the Trump administration approved a plan to rebuild Penn Station into a spacious, light-filled train hall without relocating Madison Square Garden, selecting Penn Transformation Partners as the master developer for the project.
• The redesign aims to restore classical architectural elements inspired by the original 1910 Penn Station, including a new glass entrance on Eighth Avenue and raised ceilings by removing interior levels, while upgrading Madison Square Garden's exterior with a classical look.
• The plan includes expanding track capacity by enabling limited through-running of NJ Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains, potentially increasing station efficiency and reducing train turnaround times.
• The Federal Railroad Administration will invest $200 million in design and permitting work, with the Trump administration pledging $8 billion for the rebuild, while New York state has declined to provide funding.
• Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2027, with Madison Square Garden remaining in place, contrasting with other proposals that suggested relocating the arena to create an above-ground train hall.