A Bold Vision for Baltimore
Since its construction in 1911, Pennsylvania Station has served as the primary transportation hub for Baltimore – the station is the eighth busiest in the country, with more than three million Amtrak and MARC passengers moving through each year.
Immediately surrounding the historic station is a collection of underutilized and vacant Amtrak-owned properties, currently being reimagined as a mixed-use, transit-oriented development with up to one million square feet of new office, retail, residential, and hotel uses.
Located at the transition of Baltimore’s celebrated cultural center and the rapidly developing neighborhoods to the north, a faithfully restored and repurposed Penn Station will better connect with the surrounding neighborhoods while providing the station with its own unique sense of place.
Phase 1
Preserving History
The last major renovation to Penn Station was in 1984. The master conceptual plan first calls for the full historic preservation of the station. Working closely with Amtrak, the development team will return Penn Station to a much-needed state of good repair by making vital core and shell improvements to polish the station’s appearance and increase overall functionality.
Forging a New Identity
Through adaptive reuse, the development team will respect the historical character of Penn Station while introducing modern sensibility. The usable spaces will be programmed with new retail and restaurants on the concourse level, as well as office space on the three upper levels. A repurposed Penn Station will serve as the prominent anchor for all future development that springs up on the adjacent properties while remaining the lively beating heart of the vibrant surrounding neighborhoods.
Creating a Modern Connection
Just over the tracks from Penn Station, a brand-new, state-of-the-art station expansion will be constructed and integrated with the existing station and with a new planned high-speed rail platform, modernizing station functions and increasing capacity. Transit functions, such as ticketing and baggage, will be relocated to the new station expansion, freeing up the concourse level of Penn Station for commercial uses.
Establishing a Destination
The mixed-use Lanvale building will create additional density with quality commercial and residential uses. An inviting street-level retail program will seamlessly integrate with the new station expansion, creating a lively 24/7 atmosphere.
Amtrak’s Commitment
Amtrak has made a significant financial commitment to Baltimore Penn Station over the next several years. These initial investments will spur continued development in Penn Station and the adjacent Amtrak-owned properties.
Penn Station
Essential core and shell improvements will bring historic Penn Station to a state of good repair. This includes masonry repairs, existing window refurbishment, a new roof, new MEP systems, and vertical circulation.
Station Expansion
Additional funds will be allocated towards the design and construction of the new station expansion on the Lanvale site. The majority of Amtrak’s operations will relocate from Penn Station to this new concourse.
High-Speed Rail
The scope of work includes a new high-speed rail platform and upgrades/repairs to the existing train platforms. Amtrak will manage the development of the high-speed rail infrastructure.
The Future of Rail
With the introduction of the new Acela fleet, Amtrak is reimagining the future of rail and setting the stage for the next generation of train travel in America and on the Northeast Corridor. Elevating the travel experience, the new Acela offers enhancements in comfort, technology, innovation, and safety on Amtrak’s most environmentally sustainable fleet of trains to date.