The destruction of the old Penn Station in New York in 1963 was pure vandalism – this 1910 structure was modelled after the baths of Diocletian, and provided a suitable combination of steel construction and Roman-inspired grandeur for the golden age of train travel. The rabbit warren of the modern Penn Station that followed was basically just corridors leading to platforms. However, the recent repurposing of the old Post Office across the street has provided a new focus point to the station – it is called Moynihan Train Hall after the erstwhile politician (below). It has some echoes of the 1910 structure.
At least for the time being the catering areas are a bit sterile, but doubtless a couple of decades of remodelling will change that (below).
The Long Island Railroad tracks are tucked downstairs from the Amtrak hall, and the ceiling is low, but at least the layout is clear. Thus the new hall is an improvement, although the exterior requires some repurposing – reserving a waiting area for pigeons does not seem fully thought through.
Rails, wines, worlds 