Governor Cuomo Announces Major Construction To Begin On New Grand Moynihan Train Hall

LongIsland.com

Transforms James A. Farley Building into State-of-the-Art, 255,000 Square Foot Train Hall.

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Albany, NY - August 17, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of major construction of the Moynihan Train Hall, a world-class transportation hub for the 21st century. The Farley Building redevelopment into the Moynihan Train Hall will create a new 255,000-square-foot Train Hall for Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak passengers and increase total concourse floor space in the Pennsylvania Station-Farley Complex by more than 50 percent. The Farley Building will also house 700,000 square feet of new commercial, retail and dining space within the mixed-use facility and create an iconic civic space for Manhattan's West Side.
 
"For decades, passengers were promised a world-class train hall worthy of New York - today, we are delivering on that promise and turning that dream into a reality," said Governor Cuomo. "We are transforming the Farley Post Office into a state-of-the-art transit hub to get travelers where they need to go faster and more comfortably. With better access to trains and subways, vibrant retail and business opportunities and stunning architectural design, we are bringing Penn Station into the 21st century."
 
The Governor also announced the completion of the first significant milestone in the construction of the transformative Penn-Farley Complex announced by the Governor in September 2016, as workers finished demolishing the former sorting room floor slab. This accomplishment - five months ahead of schedule - will enable Related Companies, Vornado Realty LP, and Skanska USA, the developer-builder team, to begin full construction of the train hall, including the one-acre skylight.
 
Since September 2016, significant progress has been made to prepare the James A. Farley Post Office building for this dramatic transformation. To date, Skanska has removed more than one acre of concrete and steel flooring to increase the vertical space underneath Moynihan Train Hall's future skylight. This process entailed the demolition of 6,000 tons of concrete and the removal of approximately 800 tons of steel, as well as an additional 400 tons of hazardous materials. Skanska has also made significant progress in the interior demolition of all five floors of the Farley Building.
 
The Farley Building was designed by McKim, Mead and White as a sister to their masterpiece - the original Pennsylvania Station. Five decades after the loss of the original structure, the Moynihan Train Hall will once again provide New Yorkers a grand entrance in a McKim, Mead and White architectural marvel. The Farley Building's train hall will bear the name of one of its great champions - the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
 
The Farley Building's Moynihan Train Hall will feature a new, spectacular 92-foot high skylight that will rest upon the building's historic and architecturally-dramatic steel trusses. All LIRR and Amtrak trains will be served by the nine platforms and 17 tracks that will be accessible from the Train Hall, serviced by eleven escalators and seven elevators. The Train Hall will provide a direct connection to the Eighth Avenue Subway and create direct access to the train station from 9th Avenue for the first time, bringing unparalleled regional transportation options within convenient reach of the booming Hudson Yards and Far West Side areas.
 
In addition to the demolition and removal of existing materials, work has begun on many new features of the Penn-Farley Complex, including:
 
  • Restoration of the exterior façade on 31st Street and the interior courtyards;
  • Creation of new openings to accommodate escalators carrying passengers to platform level;
  • Shielding three of six underground train platforms for demolition and construction operations; and
  • Installation of 100 tons of new steel.
The $1.6 billion project is being funded with $550 million from the State, $420 million from Amtrak, the MTA, the Port Authority and a federal grant, and $630 million from the joint venture developers. The new Train Hall is targeted for completion by the end of 2020.
 
The Moynihan Train Hall is part of the $2.5 billion transformation of the Pennsylvania Station-Farley Complex announced by Governor Cuomo in January 2016 to dramatically modernize, upgrade and redesign America's busiest transit hub into a world-class facility for the 21st century. The complex also includes a comprehensive redesign of the LIRR's existing 33rd Street concourse at Penn Station and an extensive renovation to the adjacent Seventh and Eighth Avenue subway stations. The plan will include nearly tripling the width of the 33rd Street Corridor, which is among the busiest sections of Penn Station and stretches along the station's lower level from Seventh to Eighth Avenue. Other improvements include upgraded lighting and wayfinding and digital screens to convey information and create a modern passenger experience.
 
ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "A 21st century transit hub is integral to a strong 21st century economy. Today's milestone brings us one step closer to a world-class, fully-modernized Penn Station and I commend the Governor for prioritizing and investing in critical infrastructure and moving this project forward."
 
Amtrak co-CEO Wick Moorman said, "We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership in advancing construction on the Moynihan Train Hall.  The new Train Hall will provide a modern new concourse for Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road passengers, funded in part by a $105 million contribution from Amtrak. Along with Amtrak's infrastructure renewal and concourse improvements at Penn Station, this is another significant milestone is the effort to create a better customer experience for passengers in New York."
 
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, "Today's announcement is a major step in realizing Senator Moynihan's bold vision of a grand rail gateway into New York City. I applaud Governor Cuomo, who has worked tirelessly to transform the Farley Federal Post Office Building in Manhattan, and am proud to have helped push for federal funding for this project. I am convinced that Moynihan Station is just the sort of infrastructure improvement and economic development that New York and our nation needs. In addition to generating thousands of good jobs, Moynihan Station will bring our aging infrastructure into the 21st Century and expand our capacity for passengers and make New York-in particular, the West Side of Manhattan-more accessible to commuters and visitors."
 
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, "Governor Cuomo has unveiled a bold vision for transforming the Farley Post Office Building into a hub that will do justice to the extraordinary Beaux Arts structure and the urgent transportation needs of New Yorkers. When finished, the Moynihan Train Hall will be a grand destination with shops and restaurants that will attract all New Yorkers and make commuting and travel more pleasant. I am thrilled that New York will once again be served by an iconic terminal whose grandeur and beauty reflects all that is best about our city."
 
Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, "I commend Governor Cuomo for this mega project as part of his commitment to invest $100 billion in infrastructure projects across New York and for today's announcement to unveil the modernized renovations of the Moynihan Train Hall. The new Moynihan Train Hall, in its beauty and redesign, will be a critical part of Penn Station's overhaul, improving New York's transit infrastructure and helping to connect travelers beyond Manhattan and throughout cities around the world."
 
Senator Brad Hoylman said, "After decades of false starts, it is a testament to splendid architecture of McKim, Mead & White, the enduring legacy of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo that the Farley Post Office will now be transformed into the Moynihan Train Hall. I'm grateful to Governor Cuomo for jumpstarting this monumental project in my Senate district which will be an enormous benefit for commuters and a significant boost to the city's economy."
 
Senator Marisol Alcantara said, "After decades of stagnation and delay, New Yorkers are finally bearing witness to the revival of the Farley building into a train hall truly worthy of this great city. This state-of-the-art transformation will turn the new Moynihan Train Hall into a world-class gateway to Manhattan - offering locals and tourists alike a truly spectacular look into New York City, whether it is their first time visiting or they are simply commuting to work. I thank Governor Cuomo and my partners in the legislature for getting this long-anticipated project on the fast track for completion because New York City deserves the best and with this project, we will deliver just that."
 
Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried said, "We've waited a long time while all the players have tried to sort out the Farley/Penn Station project. Governor Cuomo has done a great job putting it together and moving it forward. Transforming the Farley building into a 21st century transit center will help people who live, work and visit in our area move more easily and quickly. I commend our state and city partners for bring this project to fruition, providing jobs to New York men and women, and proving to the world that government can get things done."
 
Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer said, "I'm glad to see Gov. Cuomo's administration is continuing to make progress on this long-overdue project. Manhattan has long deserved an intercity rail terminal worthy of the greatest city in the world. As this project moves forward, I look forward to working with Gov. Cuomo and Penn Station's elected officials to make sure the neighborhood and transit network reap the full benefit of this upgraded station complex."
 
New York City Council Member Corey Johnson said, "After decades of hand-wringing, New York will finally have at the heart of its transportation network, a state-of-the-art, 21st century transit hub. Spectacular in its architectural design and fit for commercial and retail development, the Moynihan Train Hall demonstrates that government can deliver remarkable results for the people it serves. For years, many talked about the grand idea of transforming the iconic Farley Post Office, but to no avail. Thanks to Governor Cuomo's vision and unwavering leadership, we are celebrating another major milestone in the transformation of Penn Station and giving New Yorkers the world-class transit hub they deserve."
 
David Greenbaum, President of the New York Division of Vornado Realty Trust said, "We congratulate Governor Cuomo and his team, as well as the railroads, for making today's groundbreaking possible. The transformation of the historic Farley Building into the majestic Moynihan Train Hall will demonstrate, like its predecessor Grand Central, the power of a grand public space. The project will also include large floorplate office space, effectively a horizontal campus, attractive to today's creative class tenants. The redevelopment will also include a distinctive retail destination that will serve the thousands and thousands of residents, workers, visitors, and commuters who will pass through the building every day. The restored historic building will become a must-see attraction for any visit to New York."
 
Michael Viggiano, Executive Vice President of Skanska USA said, "Skanska USA is excited to once again partner with the Governor and commends his leadership in making this critical project for the west side of Manhattan a reality. As with the recently completed Second Avenue Subway and new Kosciuszko Bridge, Skanska is proud to help drive the Governor's vision of transforming the city for a new generation of New Yorkers. Whether you travel on the LIRR, Amtrak, or the subway, the reimagined Farley Building is going to change the lives of countless travelers every day."
 
Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies said, "We are thrilled to continue the momentum on what is sure to be a historic project for New York City. The west side of Manhattan is being transformed and we are proud to work with Governor Cuomo, the State of New York, Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak to bring beautiful new rail infrastructure to the community, as well as much needed office and retail space. Not only are we creating a great amenity for the daily LIRR and Amtrak riders who pass through these buildings each day, but we are also creating a new destination for the city."
 
In January 2016, Empire State Development, the MTA, LIRR and Amtrak issued an RFP soliciting proposals for the comprehensive redevelopment of the century-old, landmarked Farley Building, including a Train Hall and the surrounding office and retail space. RFP responses were received in April 2016 and reviewed by a panel of private and public experts from the real estate, construction, design and finance fields.
 
In September 2016, the Governor announced the selection of a developer-builder team, including Related Companies, Vornado Realty LP, and Skanska USA, to redevelop the Farley Building. Empire State Development and the joint-venture reached financial close on the transaction in June 2017.
 
Governor Cuomo is investing $100 billion in infrastructure projects across New York to promote economic development, create jobs, and expand opportunity. These investments enable New York to rebuild and modernize its roads, bridges, broadband networks, public buildings, and other critical infrastructure across the state while putting thousands of New Yorkers to work. Governor Cuomo has jumpstarted long-stalled or long-overdue projects, such as the Tappan Zee Bridge, the transformation of LaGuardia and JFK Airports, the Jacob K. Javits Center expansion, and building a new Penn Station.