More than 25 years after Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan first proposed transforming the historic James A. Farley Post Office Building into a new rail gateway, Phase One of the Moynihan Train Hall began to turn that vision into reality. This initial phase focused on connecting the Beaux‑Arts Farley Building to Pennsylvania Station across Eighth Avenue, easing congestion and improving safety for hundreds of thousands of daily Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and NJ TRANSIT commuters. The work created new passenger pathways while laying the groundwork for the full train hall redevelopment.
What challenges did STV address?
Delivering new circulation space and vertical access within an occupied historic building, over active rail platforms and adjacent to one of the busiest transit hubs in North America required meticulous staging and coordination. The project team had to align construction activities among three major rail agencies while maintaining uninterrupted service and preserving the Farley Building’s architectural character.
What solutions did STV deliver?
The Moynihan Station Development Corporation, in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, engaged the STV/Tishman/AECOM (STA) joint venture to provide comprehensive construction management for Phase One. STA oversaw construction of new entrances linking the Farley Building to Penn Station, added vertical access to platforms on the west side, improved pedestrian concourses and platform ventilation rooms and delivered a new LIRR waiting room with more seamless connections to the New York City subway. The joint venture provided design review, construction supervision and inspection, quality assurance and project controls while coordinating complex multi‑agency staging.
How does this project benefit the region?
Phase One improves passenger safety, disperses crowds and enhances wayfinding in and around Penn Station, creating a more comfortable and intuitive experience for riders. It also establishes the critical circulation and systems upgrades needed to support the full Moynihan Train Hall, strengthening a vital regional rail hub in Midtown Manhattan.
Key stats and accolades
- New entrances and vertical access connecting Farley Building and Penn Station
- Upgraded concourses, platform ventilation rooms and LIRR waiting room
- Coordinated among Amtrak, LIRR and NJ TRANSIT
- ACEC New York and National EEA recipient
