Quote:
Originally Posted by aquablue
How about building a new station adjacent to the tracks on another block and have passageways connecting this new headhouse with the platforms for LIRR/NJT?
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That's the idea behind
Amtrak's Gateway proposal that went over like a lead balloon last year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aquablue
Does anybody know if the original Penn had platforms/tracks open to the light? If not, all we need is a decent head-house for all to make up for the loss.
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Yes, bringing natural light down to the tracks was one of the hallmarks of the station. The concourse had a glass roof and the floor directly above the tracks also contained glass block to let in as much light as possible. Also, large areas on the northeast and southeast sides of the original building were open to the air.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aquablue
Also, why don't they just take over the entire Farley building and use it for everything, not just amtrak.. it appears big enough if the annex is incorporated, no?
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The final desitnation for most people arriving at Penn Station is to the east. If you move the entrance to the platforms to the west, you're going to increase walking time.
The Farley building makes sense as a entrance for Amtrak passengers who are going on longer journeys. If you're taking a 3 1/2 hour train ride, walking another 5 minutes from Seventh to Eighth Avenues is not going to affect you. However, if you're taking a 30 minute ride on a suburban train every day, that five additional minutes of walk time is a big deal.
Also, the Farley Annex does not lie above the existing platforms like the main part of the Farley building does, so you cannot access the platforms from it.