If you take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station, you might notice a red entryway near the bathrooms. It’s easy to miss, but this unassuming structure is actually one of the last surviving relics of the original Penn Station.
The Glory of the Original Penn Station
Back in 1910, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company constructed the original Penn Station in New York City. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it was considered a masterpiece of architecture and one of the city’s grandest structures. The station stood as a symbol of progress and elegance, serving as a gateway to the city for decades.
The Demise of a Landmark
Following World War II, passenger traffic declined significantly. By the 1950s, the station had fallen into a state of disrepair. Seeking financial relief, the Pennsylvania Railroad sold the air rights to Penn Station. While the underground platforms remained operational, the grand building above was demolished in 1963 to make way for Madison Square Garden. This destruction was widely regarded as “an act of historical vandalism.”
The Rediscovery of the Entryway
In 2012, WNYC inquired with the MTA about the red entryway. Initially, the MTA denied that it was part of the original Penn Station. However, upon rechecking, they confirmed its authenticity. This entryway had been walled off in 1963 when the station’s above-ground structure was torn down. Then, during a major renovation in the early 1990s, the walls were removed, revealing the forgotten passageway.
Rather than being removed or repurposed, the contractor overseeing the renovation decided to restore the entryway and put it back into service. Although the original Penn Station is long gone, this small entryway stands as a tangible connection to its legacy.