Empire State Development Announces Moynihan Train Hall Project Wins Inaugural “Building The Future” Award at NY Building Congress 98th Anniversary Leadership Awards

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the Moynihan Train Hall project received the inaugural “Building the Future” Award from the New York Building Congress at their 98th Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon. The project – which will transform the James A. Farley Post Office Building into a state-of-the-art 255,000-square-foot train hall – was recognized for its aspirational spirit, setting a new bar for what is expected in transit centers and public spaces, while proving an innovative model can effectively deliver major public infrastructure projects. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky accepted the award on behalf of the project team.

“Transportation is a critical part of economic development, and the Moynihan Train Hall illustrates Governor Cuomo’s continued commitment to building New York’s economy and infrastructure,” ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said. “This is one of many examples that proves we can build great projects if we put our mind to it, and I’d like to congratulate the Moynihan team on their hard work.”

Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO, New York Building Congress said: “The Building the Future Award was created to celebrate incredible projects that are changing the landscape of our city, state and region, and we cannot think of a more worthy inaugural recipient than the Moynihan Train Hall. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, this project will create thousands of jobs, provide a vibrant neighborhood amenity, and vastly improve the commutes of hundreds of thousands of people. Congratulations to the Governor, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky and the team at ESD, Moynihan Station Development Corporation President Michael Evans, and everyone involved with this transformative project.”

The Farley Building – home to the new Train Hall – was designed by McKim, Mead and White as a sister to the original Penn Station. Five decades after the loss of the original structure, the Moynihan Train Hall will once again provide New Yorkers and visitors alike with a grand, architectural marvel. The train hall will bear the name of one of its great champions – the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan – and will include two massive skylights that will allow natural light into the station.

The $1.6 billion project is expected to create over 12,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs. When the train hall is complete, the Penn Station-Moynihan complex will provide New Yorkers with 80% more concourse space, 37% more stairs and escalators to train platforms, and 52% more platform elevators than currently available in Penn Station. Moynihan will also house 700,000 square feet of world-class commercial, retail space and dining space.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said: “We are pleased that Moynihan Station is being honored for what it is – an iconic project that will create a world-class transit hall serving LIRR and Amtrak. The transit hall will also enable passengers to board a rail mass transit link to a unified, 21st century LaGuardia Airport via LIRR and AirTrain LGA – giving travelers a predictable, reliable way of getting to the airport – as part of Governor Cuomo’s historic investment to transform the region’s infrastructure.”

Stephen Gardner, Amtrak Senior Executive Vice President said: “The Moynihan Train Hall signals the bright future ahead for train travel in America by creating, once again, a station befitting the nation’s largest city and the heart of Amtrak’s network. Winning this prestigious award is an honor and tremendous accomplishment for New York State and the whole Moynihan team.”

MTA Chief Development Officer Janno Lieber said: “The Moynihan Train Hall will deliver the light, space and amenities LIRR customers deserve. And together with this transformative project, the Cuomo Administration is completely remaking the existing Penn Station. With the new iconic 7th Avenue entrance being unveiled today, along with dramatically widened corridors, higher ceilings and new retail, we are determined to improve the experience for the 600,000 plus people who use this facility daily.” 

Michael Viggiano, Executive Vice President – Skanska Civil said: "The new Moynihan Train Hall will soon join the storied list of landmarks in New York City. Skanska is proud to lead the construction of this iconic transit center that will improve the visitor experience for countless New Yorkers and tourists for decades to come. We thank and congratulate Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their leadership and the New York Building Congress for this honor."

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

Contact:
Jack Sterne | [email protected] | (212) 803-3764
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313