Gov. Phil Murphy joined fellow public officials and stakeholders in December 2020 to announce a $190 million renovation and restoration of Newark Penn Station — Courtesy: Governor’s Office
By Joshua Burd
NJ Transit has awarded a key contract that it says will help kick off its long-awaited, $190 million restoration and upgrade of Newark Penn Station.
The agency said the contract, approved Monday by its board of directors, calls for Parsons Transportation Group to perform master planning, design services and construction support services for the project at the downtown hub, according to a news release. The board also approved funding for phase one of the contract, which includes the preparation of the master plan and completion of a 10 percent concept design.
“Newark Penn Station is one of the most significant transportation hubs in the Northeast, and a gateway to downtown Newark,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Newark has undergone a historic renaissance in recent years, and our administration is proud to do its part through this historic $190 million investment in revitalizing Newark Penn Station. Newark residents, workers, commuters and visitors deserve a world-class experience when traveling through the station. I am happy to see this project moving ahead and look forward to its completion.”
News of the contract comes just over a year after Murphy joined NJ Transit officials, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and others to announce the plan for the 86-year-old station. Last summer, the agency solicited proposals for the project from design and construction professionals, which it judged based on their ability to ensure the station features amenities and functionality that will appeal to travelers, residents and business operators.
As part of the $9.2 million phase one contract award, Parsons Transportation Group will utilize a team consisting of Grimshaw Architects alongside a transit-focused consultant firm, Steer Group, to lead the Newark Penn Station master planning and design portion.
“This contract marks the next big step in our efforts to restore and update Newark Penn Station, honoring its past as a cultural focal point, and ensuring that it remains a vibrant hub for New Jersey residents and visiting travelers,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, commissioner of the state’s Department of Transportation and board chair of NJ Transit. “Governor Murphy’s steadfast commitment to preserving this historic treasure strengthens this facility’s connection to Newark’s business and entertainment district with a robust network of trains, buses and light rail options.”
Onyx Equities, which is spearheading a physical overhaul of the adjacent four-building, 2.3 million-square-foot Gateway Center office complex, welcomed the news.
“The transformation at Gateway complements the vision that NJ Transit has circulated for its mission to revitalize the area around Newark Penn Station,” said John Saraceno Jr., a co-founder and managing principal of Onyx Equities. “In our consultations with NJ Transit’s leadership and our neighbors, we have been inspired by the common interest and commitment that the property owners have to not just their own projects, but to the environment that welcomes visitors and residents to Newark’s front door. It is an exciting time that will lead to a new era of street-level engagement that will characterize the city for a generation to come.”
As part of the master contract, the project team will create construction plans that address state-of-good-repair needs as well as long-term capital improvements to Newark Penn Station, according to a news release. Those plans will outline present and future opportunities to better integrate the station within the framework of the growing needs of its surrounding communities.
NJ Transit added that the first phase will focus on aesthetics, while longer-term enhancements will look to improve the station’s openness and overall customer and visitor experience.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, NJ Transit continues to aggressively advance the large-scale overhaul and revitalization of this indispensable, multimodal transit hub,” said Kevin S. Corbett, the agency’s CEO and president. “Thanks to the board action today, this award will build on the extensive work already underway to restore this vital transit center to its rightful place as one of the crown jewels of New Jersey.”
Baraka added: “Newark Penn Station is one of our city’s greatest assets. It is a historic structure, a brilliant expression of architecture, and a critical element of our city’s economy and transportation network. I thank Governor Murphy, his administration, and NJ Transit for their commitment, as this investment will improve the lives of so many of our residents, businesses and commuters.”
