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"Long Overdue": Visitors Marvel At New Moynihan Train Hall In First Walkthrough
By
Stephen Nessen
Published Jan 2, 2021
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Stephen Nessen
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Stephen Nessen
Published Jan 2, 2021
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The public got its first chance to walk the halls of the new Moynihan Train Hall across from Penn Station Friday, two days after officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to the mammoth, $1.6 billion train hub.
For some visitors, the stop was merely intended to gaze at the enormous hall complete with an enormous skylight roof and Art Deco clock. Many were spotted craning their necks to take in the open skylight, pivoting their hips taking scenic, panoramic photos. Others searched for fresco portraits created by Kehinde Wiley, which are prominently displayed at the 33rd Street entrance, or the spacious and modern Amtrak lounge on the upper floor.
Self-proclaimed train and travel nerd Christian Keesee, 59, from the Upper East Side was one of the first people at Moynihan Friday morning, declaring it a true gem for the city.
“This is a New York station made for New Yorkers, it’s fantastic,” he said. “The light, we need that, I don’t like being underground. I like being above ground, I like the sunshine, the seasons, I think it’s fantastic.” His partner Larry Keigwan, 48, added, “Long overdue, so amazing, it feels appropriate for the new year, and it’s inspiring, I really really like it."
Jess Allen, 45, from Chelsea, brought her 6-year old son Wolf to see the train hall. Overlooking the 225,000-square-foot space from the upper level, where a food court is expected to open later this year, Wolf marveled at the open space.
“The one thing is, it’s very very big, and it doesn’t get crowded like the small station, Penn Station,” Wolf said.
With few people traveling Friday by train, children as young as 18 months scooted across the squeaky fresh marble floors. Tim Mulligan, 27, from the Upper West Side, brought his toddler to see Moynihan.
“It gives us something to be proud of and excited for when you’re coming into Penn Station, and that’s something that’s been missing for a long time,” Mulligan said. “I honestly dread coming to Penn Station, but now I’m looking forward to have a reason to take the train so I can experience it for real.”
The train hall—named after the late U.S. Senator Daniel P. Moynihan—only has access to the Long Island Railroad and Amtrak platforms. NJ Transit riders must still use Penn Station to ride those rails.
Christine Davis identifies as a senior citizen, and walked three miles from the Upper West Side to stop by. She works across the street at One Penn Plaza, but hasn’t been to the area since the pandemic began in March.
“This is a testament to the strength of the people, and a will of the people to keep going and not be afraid to have beautiful structures for all the people,” Davis said. “I’m very happy to be here.”
Tagged
penn station
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Stephen Nessen
Stephen Nessen covers transportation. Since 2008 he has reported on everything from Occupy Wall Street, the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site, Hurricane Sandy, to Trump’s campaign for president. His transportation reporting has taken him everywhere from the MTA’s secret Rail Control Center to the gleaming subways of Seoul. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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