More than a century ago, the prominent architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White designed one of the great architectural works of New York City. Considered a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style, Penn Station became a transportation hub and the first of its kind in southern NYC. Today, after several years of renovations and architectural developments, the site remains a cornerstone of public transit, giving way to a vibrant business center and a lively destination for recreation. Drawing inspiration from Silicon Valley’s innovative corporate tech campuses, Penn Station has expanded into a revitalized PENN District, seamlessly integrating design-forward workspaces, inviting amenities, and flexible design solutions like opening glass doors that redefine the area as more than just a transit hub.
Opening Glass Doors: A Historic District Reimagined for the Future
A Vibrant Campus for Tenants, Commuters, and Visitors
PENN District embodies a culmination of multiple visionary architectural endeavors, resulting in over 9 million square feet of development directly above the historic railroad and home to renowned landmarks like Madison Square Garden. Reimagined by New York-based real estate developer, Vornado Realty Trust, the project has transformed the urban landscape into a people-focused business center with a shared amenity campus for tenants and commuters. Key initiatives were the expansion of PENN 1, PENN 2, 330W34, an upcoming 2.2 million-square-foot tower, PENN 15, and a new train hall within Farley Building. At the heart of the revitalization is a centralized quad where lush green spaces, outdoor seating areas, and accessible retail establishments offer the ideal backdrop for employees and visitors to network, collaborate, or unwind.
A Focus on Sustainability
The revitalization of the PENN District required a thoughtful approach toward reimagining historic buildings with design-forward elements. A major undertaking was the implementation of sustainable building practices and rejuvenating existing buildings with sustainable design elements. This meant replacing existing fenestration with energy-efficient alternatives, upgrading to 100% zero carbon renewable electricity, and even replacing bathroom fixtures for maximum water conservation. These sustainability efforts also included creating indoor-outdoor environments for tenants with a focus on health and wellness—which led to the implementation of expansive fenestration and flexible opening glass doors and walls to flush interiors with daylight and fresh air ventilation.
PENN 1: Taking Workplace Design to New Heights
Originally built in 1972, PENN 1 presents a 55-story tower with 360-degree views of the city landscape with direct access to Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall. A recent expansion envisioned by Architecture Plus Information (A+I) included over 140,000 SF of amenities and retail spaces as well as 100,000 SF of flexible workspaces. A dramatic new lobby features spacious double-height ceilings and is adjacent to well-manicured plazas for quiet moments of contemplation. At the building’s base, three floors were designed to reflect WorkLife by Vornado, a new philosophy that meets the demands of the modern workplace through a dynamic ecosystem of amenities. These three floors give way to flexible work suites, fitness centers, restaurants, and even a pickleball destination.
NanaWall Highlight: A Unique Dining Space at PENN 1
The Landing, a full-service restaurant, offers a welcoming dining ambiance for socializing and unwinding within PENN 1. Envisioned by Episcope Hospitality, the restaurant invites tenants and commuters alike to the second floor for lively gatherings or intimate dining in one of their two private dining rooms, one of which closes off with a convenient NanaWall sliding glass door. The 8-foot-tall system seamlessly glides into two hidden parking bays within the wall to create a spacious 11-foot-wide opening. Two swing panels mimic the effect of French doors for added appeal and space flexibility. When closed, specialized glazing with reflective panels creates a mirror-like effect that delivers a visually disappearing threshold and enhanced privacy.
PENN 2: A Revitalizing New Development
Built directly above the infamous Penn Station in 1968, PENN 2 was transformed with a new all-glass cantilevered structure, or the “bustle,” that wraps around the front of the building. Led by MdeAS architects, the addition encompasses spacious open concept workspaces, a multi-use pavilion, and an inviting new lobby. Supported by robust slanting columns, the “bustle” allows for a dramatic triple-height ceiling at the lower level that offers optimal transparency and light. The Bustle’s second floor welcomes tenants into an inviting, light-filled lobby that connects to an expansive outdoor 1,500 SF terrace with two seamless NanaWall opening glass doors. The two 7-panel folding glass walls open to a verdant outdoor space for tenants to enjoy the open air through unobstructed ADA-compliant transitions.
NanaWall Highlight: Taking Workplace Amenities to New Heights
Another key element of the PENN 2 expansion was the addition of a 17,000 SF rooftop park complete with a pavilion and restaurant. “The Perch,” a sprawling open-air amenity space is located on the building’s 32nd floor with stunning views of the Empire State Building and beyond. Tenants enjoy a park-like space complete with a covered lounge venue and cocktail bar. A NanaWall minimal sliding glass wall opens the space to the outdoors and offers uninterrupted skyline views when lounging inside. The impressive 13-foot-tall system offers reinforced panels with optimal performance that meets the demands of a commercial space 32 floors above the city skyline.
330 West: Indoor-Outdoor Workplace Amenities
Located at the epicenter of New York City, 330 West presents an easily accessible commercial building on the West side. Originally built in 1926, the building underwent a redesign in 2014 with renovated office spaces, new tenant amenities, LEED certification, and a new lobby designed by HOK Architects. The 9th floor features three opening glass doors to create a dynamic threshold between the light-filled tenant lounge and a sunny outdoor terrace. The Generation 4 Folding Glass Walls by NanaWall were specified with convenient swing doors for quick access when the panels are closed and divided lites for enhanced aesthetics. To support Vornado’s focus on sustainability and future-ready workplace design, the systems were specified with a high-performance glass coating. In addition, six other systems were installed throughout the building to create flexible workspaces.
Moynihan Station: Redefining Public Transportation
Moynihan Train Station is a wonder to behold. Once the landmark location of the historic Farley Post Office, the new building reimagines what conventional, congested train stations offer commuters. Envisioned by Skidmore, Owings and Merril, the structure retains its historic charm with modern architectural elements and an array of retail destinations and amenities for commuters and visitors alike. Most impressive of all is the expansive skylight that offers an all-glass ceiling that infuses the interior spaces with daylight and views of the sky. To meet the demands of high-traffic commercial spaces, multiple NanaWall frameless opening glass doors deliver visually disappearing storefronts that invite passersby to explore. These modern additions not only breathe new life into the building but also preserve existing structural elements to successfully blend old and new.
Final Thoughts
The PENN District’s transformation pays homage to its historic roots while embracing a bold, contemporary vision for urban and workplace design. Long recognized as a vital transit and commerce hub, the area now reflects a harmonious balance between its rich heritage and its modern revitalization. The integration of tenant-friendly workspace and amenities as well as modern design solutions like sustainable alternatives and opening glass doors aligns with the district’s legacy as a place of movement and community. These thoughtful design elements enhance functionality while inviting engagement, creating spaces where people can gather, work, and collaborate. Today, PENN District stands as a vibrant urban destination where history and innovation converge, celebrating its storied past while paving the way for a dynamic, design-forward, and sustainable urban landscape.
Discover how NanaWall opening glass doors and walls are redefining future-ready workplace developments in our inspirational commercial applications!