Baltimore (TAN): Amtrak has signed a master development agreement with Baltimore-based developer team Penn Station Partners to redevelop and expand the historic Baltimore Penn Station.
Amtrak said it will invest USD 90 million to expand and modernise the station, with focus on improving passenger experience and growth. The first phase of rail infrastructure work will see overhaul of an existing platform that is out of service, along with the construction of an additional platform.
Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson said: “By investing in the modernization of Baltimore Penn Station, Amtrak seeks to transform central Baltimore into a premier regional transportation hub that will provide new amenities and transit connections.”
“This work is part of Amtrak’s ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience and grow passenger rail,” he added.
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Planning and development procedures had begun in January 2018 with Amtrak selecting Penn Station Partners, led by Beatty Development Group, Cross Street Partners, and a local and international team of planning, design, and construction companies, as the Baltimore Penn Station Master Developer.
“This is an important project for the city of Baltimore and one that we need to get right. It’s so important that we stay engaged with the community and get their continued input,” said President of Beatty Development Group Michael Beatty.
“The first public meeting in July 2018 provided us with so much useful, insightful feedback. We are looking forward to holding additional public meetings over the next six months now that commercial agreement has been reached,” he added.
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“We want the redeveloped Penn Station to be treasured by neighborhood residents in addition to commuters and Amtrak personnel,” said Bill Struever, Principal of Cross Street Partners.
Presently, Amtrak and Penn Station Partners, together with local stakeholders and the community, are developing a vision plan called ‘Next Stop Baltimore Penn Station’ for the station and Amtrak’s properties in the area.
The improvements will boost Northeast Corridor infrastructure and capacity, including the ongoing Amtrak high-speed rail expansion effort, Amtrak said. Other Amtrak projects that could benefit from the Baltimore Penn Station development comprise improvement efforts at New York Penn Station, opening of the new Moynihan Train Hall in New York, and station development work in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings said he was “thrilled to learn that Amtrak will be committing significant capital to support revitalization of this Baltimore landmark”.
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