Renderings of Penn Station Overhaul Include Presidential Seal with Trump's Name

The plan to rebuild Penn Station includes renderings of a new train hall featuring American flags, gold-accented railings, columns, and escalators, along with a presidential seal that displays President Donald Trump's name, according to documents obtained by Gothamist. The proposed design aims to raise ceilings by up to 50 feet in certain areas and introduces two new entrances: one on Eighth Avenue and another on 31st Street. The project, overseen by Amtrak and the U.S. Department of Transportation, was awarded to Penn Transformation Partners, which includes various architects and engineering firms. The new design is intended to provide a more classical appearance, fulfilling Amtrak's request for a significant aesthetic upgrade. The federal government took control of the project last year, and work is expected to begin by the end of 2027. Critics have raised concerns about the transparency of the bidding process. Amtrak is currently focused on securing necessary permits and finalizing contracts. The renderings depict a transformation of the station, which has been criticized for its lack of natural light, with plans to increase naturally lit space significantly. The design also includes a new passenger pick-up and drop-off zone. While there were discussions about renaming the station to 'Trump Station,' it is expected to retain its original name. The project is led by construction firms Halmar and Skanska, with connections to Trump allies.