The $175 million multi-phase and mixed-use redevelopment of Baltimore’s historic Penn Station halted due to rising construction costs, media reports reports.
Amtrak says it is working to finalize funding and phasing to restart the project Penn Station Partners, a joint venture between Beatty Development Group and Cross Street Partners. WSP USA designed the project in a joint venture with Gensler.
“The redevelopment of Baltimore Penn Station is a major project for Amtrak and the Baltimore region,” Beth K. Toll, Amtrak’s senior director of public relations said in an emailed statement. “This process will not affect Amtrak service.”
The stoppage of work it comes about six months after the project team finished building a boarding platform for Acela high-speed trains that went into service in the spring. A second platform was scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Quinn Evans serves as the architect of the station restoration that has already undergone cleaning and repair of masonry, renovation of windows, new roof and improved lighting. The scope of the project includes interior improvements, new retail and dining spaces on the lobby level, and office space on the top three floors. The scope also includes the construction of a new passenger terminal on the north side of the ia train tracks mixed-use development next to the historic station.
Amtrak announced redevelopment of its eighth busiest season in 2020 amid a 95% drop. in number of users due to the COVID-19 pandemic received $1 billion in federal funds from the US Department of Transportation under the CARES Act, with about half earmarked for the Northeast Corridor.
Today, more than 3 millions of Amtrak and MARC passengers move through Baltimore Penn Station each year. Amtrak ridership increased 29% in the city over the past year, outpacing the 24% growth in Amtrak ridership nationwide.
Toll said Amtrak and Penn Station Partners are working to “advance work prudently as we continue to seek funding and investments to deliver the full potential of this program.”
