President Trump, while currently in the White House, seems to be the same dreamer from Queens, still envisioning a reshaped New York City skyline. It’s not just about New York; his January note highlighted ambitions for “promoting beautiful federal civic architecture.” He aims to transform American public buildings from their blandness into symbols of grandeur, a necessary shift given the current state of infrastructure, which can often feel harsh and uninviting.
Fortunately, there’s a plan emerging from Trump’s hometown. The initiative involves rebuilding an existing Penn Station, but it goes beyond that. There’s a vision for a new park and an impressive train hall inspired by the original Penn Station. Those involved in this project call it “Project Grand Pen.”
This endeavor is, to put it mildly, long overdue. New York once boasted a station that matched its status as America’s largest city. The original Penn Station, built in 1910, stood as a testament to American greatness in its classic design. It was not just large; it was awe-inspiring, evoking a sense of humility and grandeur simultaneously. Langston Hughes even referred to it as a “breakwater for the soul.”
Regrettably, it was demolished in 1964, arguably one of the most significant acts of architectural vandalism in U.S. history. The current underground station is widely regarded as subpar—inefficient, and often viewed as a place “suitable only for mice.” Strolling through its cramped, sloping corridors, you can’t help but feel encroached upon by the crowd, leaving many to believe that New York deserves better. President Trump seems to understand this, reflected in the recent announcement by his Transport Secretary, Sean Duffy, about the federal government stepping in to improve Penn Station.
This is where Project Grand Pen comes into play. Nearly four years ago, I was approached by the National Civic Arts Association, an organization dedicated to restoring classic architecture. They sought funding to develop plans for recreating the original Penn Station. My initial reaction was that it was a wonderful idea, but then I thought it seemed a bit unrealistic.
First, there’s the issue of relocating and rebuilding Madison Square Garden, which feels like a tall order. Beyond that, convincing various stakeholders—property owners, railroads, local and federal agencies, each with their own interests—will be challenging. My rational mind felt it might be a lost cause, yet a part of me remained hopeful. Sometimes, something magnificent is worth pursuing. So, we gathered a team of transportation experts, including the chairman of a new Amtrak bureau and award-winning architect Alex Washburn, known for his classic renovations. If anyone has a chance to revitalize Penn Station, it’s him.
Ultimately, we now have a vision. There’s a solid plan, and we have the determination to see it through. What remains is to gain approval from those who hold the power to make this a reality. And we need a president who shares that dream—the very person who, just like that boy from Queens, still casts his eyes on the skyline of New York and the future of the nation.
