New York Discount Car Rental and Pennsylvania Station

Pennsylvania Station

Regional Information

Theatre and Art

Named for its original builder and tenant, the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Station was originally one of the worlds grandest hubs of railway transportation, connecting 20th century travelers with a handful of cosmopolitan locations. Located at the center of the Northeast Corridor, Penn Station is now an underground electric passenger train depot hidden beneath Madison Square Gardens. Originally built across eight acres of prime New York City real estate in 1910, Penn Station was later confined to its current underground hideaway beneath 7th and 8th Avenues in 1964 after crews demolished the landmarks historic above ground components. Even though the station was virtually eliminated in the mid 60s it still holds an important place in New York City history. An exciting attraction filled with both modern and traditional architectural features, Penn Station is the perfect place to gain appreciation for NYCs deeply rooted historical features.

A Stunning Architectural Achievement

When Pennsylvania Station was first unveiled in 1910 it was one of the worlds most revered architectural structures. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, the original station exhibited a textbook example of Beaux-Arts design and Doric colonnades. Designed to embody the sophisticated air of contemporary travel, the original Penn Station was built out of sturdy pink-granite, combining frank glass and steel train sheds with a luxurious concourse and breathtaking beauty. The main waiting area, which was designed after the famous Baths of Caracalla, was nearly as large as the St. Peters nave in Rome, providing domestic travelers with a monumental gateway into New York City. The destruction of Penn Stations original structure, although considered justifiable by most progressive tradesmen at the time, left a deep and lasting scar on the architectural consciousness of most New York City residents.

Hollywood Depictions of Pennsylvania Station

New York City car rental customers interested in viewing original footage of the historic Pennsylvania Station should consider renting any one of the following Hollywood films:

Strangers on a Train (1951) This creepy psychological thriller captures rare footage of both the original carriageway and on-site arcade, as well some lingering shots of the stations Main Waiting Room.
The Killer That Stalked New York (1950) The opening scenes of this black and white film feature dramatic shots of the stations magnificent train shed as well as Penn Stations stunning concourse level.
The Seven Year Itch (1955) Shot during the stations final days, The Seven Year Itch treats New York City car rental travelers with a rare glimpse of the stations concourse level in color!
Youre A Big Boy Now (1966) Perceptive New York City car rental viewers are encouraged to keep an eye out for Penn Stations partially demolished 7th Avenue faade. Audiences can catch a glimpse of this, as well as the brand new Madison Square Tower during the scene in which Peter Kastner is roller skating down 7th Avenue.

The Future of Penn Station

Since its destruction in 1964, local protestors have often criticized Penn Stations current unattractive entryway (the 34th Long Island Rail Road entrance features a handful of salvaged artifacts from the original depot, along with numerous photographs alluding to the original stations architecture). But hope is in sight! Plans to build a brand new entryway into the historic station have been in the works for nearly a decade now, fueled by late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihans greatly anticipated re-beautification proposal. Initial design proposals for the all new entryway were submitted by David Childs (New York City car rental clients will also recognize that Childs is currently in charge of New York Citys September 11th memorial, the Freedom Tower), but a permanent plan has yet to be unveiled.

If you or anyone else in your upcoming New York City car rental crew is interested in learning more about the current state of Pennsylvania Station please feel free to contact the station at (212) 630-6401. Amtrack information can also be found at www.amtrack.com

Downtown Manhattan 741 Broadway, New York, NY
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-253-2299

Midtown Manhattan 200 E. 33rd St. New York, NY
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-683-7205

Westside Manhattan 229 W.60th ST. New York, NY
New York, NY 11023
Phone: 212-784-8700

LaGuardia Airport Holiday Inn 37-10 114 Street (In the lobby)
Corona NY 11368
Phone: 718-505-6969

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Newark, NJ
Phone: 973-424-1000

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Franklin Square, Long Island, NY 11010
Phone: 516-481-6026