New Penn Station Proposal Reflects Trump-Era Classical Architecture Directive

# Grand Penn Community Alliance Proposes Bold Penn Station Redesign

The Grand Penn Community Alliance (GPCA) recently unveiled an ambitious proposal to redesign New York City’s Penn Station, advocating for a return to the station’s original Beaux-Arts grandeur and a complete relocation of Madison Square Garden (MSG). This transformative vision, led by former New York City Chief of Urban Design Alexandros Washburn and funded by the National Civic Art Society (NCAS), seeks to restore the station’s classical aesthetic while addressing longstanding transportation and urban design challenges.

## A Vision for the Future

The GPCA’s proposal aims to replace the modern, underground Penn Station with an aboveground structure reminiscent of its original early 20th-century design. Penn Station was once a grand gateway to New York City, but its demolition in the 1960s and the construction of Madison Square Garden above it turned the transit hub into an overcrowded and poorly designed space.

Under this new plan, the redesign integrates classical architectural elements, including a façade lined with Doric columns at the Seventh Avenue entrance. Alongside a reimagined commuter hall with high, iron-and-glass ceilings, the project promises a revitalized public plaza—similar in scale to Bryant Park—embellished with a grand fountain.

## The Controversial Relocation of Madison Square Garden

One of the most debated aspects of the proposal is the displacement of Madison Square Garden. Known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” MSG was built on the ruins of Penn Station in 1968, forcing the station into the underground space it currently occupies. The GPCA’s plan suggests relocating MSG across the street to the site previously occupied by the Hotel Pennsylvania, which was demolished in recent years.

The idea of moving Madison Square Garden isn’t new. In 2013, the Manhattan Community Board 5 imposed a 10-year limit on MSG’s operating permit rather than making it permanent, citing the station’s need for a major upgrade. In 2023, this timeframe was further narrowed to just five years, increasing pressure to relocate the arena and reimagine Penn Station as a functional, well-designed transit hub.

According to the proposal, the relocation of MSG would cost approximately **$3.5 billion**—part of an estimated **$7.5 billion total project cost**. Proponents argue this would still be more cost-effective than other renovation options proposed by Amtrak and the State of New York, many of which retain MSG in its current location.

## A Classical Revival Amidst Contemporary Clash

The GPCA project has drawn significant attention for its embrace of classical architecture, particularly given the political and cultural debates surrounding architectural styles in public buildings. The initiative aligns with former President Donald Trump’s push for a return to “traditional, classical” designs in federal architecture—an approach criticized by leading architects and designers as restrictive and outdated.

NCAS, which has played a key role in funding and advocating for the project, is known for its preference for classical architecture. The organization’s board includes influential conservative figures such as Thomas D. Klingenstein, a major donor to Republican campaigns and a supporter of Trump’s architectural policies. While some critics believe this emphasis on classical styling stifles modern architectural creativity, supporters argue that it restores historical integrity to a site that was once one of New York City’s most beautiful landmarks.

**Justin Shubow, President of NCAS, defended the design:**
>”Regardless of what people might think about Trump’s politics, this is something that will make all New Yorkers proud. The design speaks for itself.”

Washburn echoed this sentiment, noting that the proposal was not ideologically driven but rather rooted in the goal of restoring civic beauty.

## Addressing Urban and Transit Challenges

Beyond its aesthetic vision, the proposal considers practical urban planning needs. The redesigned Penn Station would feature:

– **A spacious commuter hall** with ceilings soaring **18 feet high**, improving passenger circulation.
– **Enhanced accessibility** with multiple new elevators and escalators.
– **Underground connections** linking the station to Moynihan Train Hall, housed within the historic James A. Farley Post Office building.
– **Public restrooms and seating**, addressing concerns about accessibility while also considering New York’s homeless population.

Washburn emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating:
>“Many designers avoid including public seating and restrooms because they don’t want to deal with social issues—but we believe they are essential.”

## Political and Financial Outlook

The future of this proposal remains uncertain. **Discussions between Governor Kathy Hochul and former President Trump** suggest that federal funding could be available to support the redevelopment. However, the project must navigate the **complicated political and financial landscape** of New York City, including negotiations with Vornado Realty Trust, which owns nearby properties slated for development.

Additionally, while Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation has expressed some openness to relocation