MNLA has re-imagined the public realm of Vornado Realty Trust’s $65 million effort to improve and expand the public space outside of Penn Station. Vornado, one of New York City’s leading owners of commercial real estate with a portfolio of office buildings concentrated in midtown Manhattan, collaborated with MNLA on multiple projects including the design of Plaza 33, over four acres of distinctive streetscape, and publicly accessible plazas as part of the repositioning of the Penn 1 and Penn 2 buildings.
A progressive approach towards the area’s transportation infrastructure resulted in the design of multiple flexible spaces that come together to create a seamless public realm. In close collaboration with our client, city agencies, and consultants, MNLA has led the reimagination of streetscape and outdoor publicly accessible open space, and laid the groundwork for future transportation improvements within the Penn District to create an even greater whole that connects with important destinations to the east and west.
MNLA has designed a cohesive and multi-functional public realm that is a major asset to building tenants and visitors, despite the challenging demands for truck loading, emergency access, and future transit improvements to the train station.