Work has started on a major renovation of William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, USA.
In 2016, Amtrak proposed a comprehensive plan to improve and redevelop the station and the surrounding district in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust, Drexel University, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
The station redevelopment is part of the first phase of the District Plan.
The master developer is Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia (PIP) which will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the station improvements for 50 years as part of a public-private partnership agreement.
The $550 million project includes:
- modernizing and expanding the station's food, beverage, and retail offerings;
- improving station operations and enhancing customer experience;
- upgrading The Porch landscaping and community amenities;
- modernizing Amtrak corporate offices;
- enhancing the building infrastructure.
During redevelopment train operations will continue as normal, but customers should allow extra time to reach their platforms due to the construction activities.
Work on the elevators and escalators will begin this month, with additional construction continuing in phases until 2027.
The station's South Concourse has now closed until summer 2025 for major construction, with concessions kiosks being temporarily installed in the station's main concourse to supplement existing retail not affected by the construction.
Concessions located in the SEPTA concourse and rental car facilities will remain open along with the concession kiosks on the main concourse including:
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Hudson News
- Pret A Manger
Amtrak Executive Vice President, Business Transformation and Chief Financial Officer, Tracie Winbigler, said “This large-scale restoration and renovation project will enhance the station's functionality and improve the customer experience for Amtrak, SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT customers, while preserving this iconic Philadelphia landmark for future generations.
“Additionally, this station transformation will improve Market Street Plaza, expand retail offerings and provide other benefits to the local community.”
Brian Budden, President and CEO of Plenary Americas, LP, the Developer Equity Sponsor, said “The Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia team is proud to be celebrating the start of construction on the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Redevelopment Project. I am also excited to announce a $2.5 million commitment to invest in local community and economic development efforts.
“Through a community impact fund, Plenary Americas, LP will support community groups dedicated to reducing poverty through job training and skill-building, small business growth, youth education and other community-building programs.
“We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Amtrak and our collaboration with key stakeholders and community organizations as we deliver improvements to this historic station.”
Shawn Carlin, senior vice president and Philadelphia business leader at Gilbane Building Company, the Lead Design-Builder, said “The redevelopment of the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station is a landmark project for the Philadelphia community,” said
“As the design-builder, we've worked with our design partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), over the last nearly 30 months to thoughtfully develop a design and phased construction approach that will transform the station into a world-class transportation hub while minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations. Today, we're excited to mark the start of this historic modernization.”
Sammy Patel, Vice President, Commercial, Vantage Airport Group (Vantage) – Concessions Developer & Manager, commented “We are thrilled to celebrate today's milestone with Amtrak and our consortium partners.
“Our goal is to create a modernized guest experience that offers high-quality retail and food & beverage options for passengers, employees, and all Philadelphians alike. The station's new commercial program will have something for everyone, from quick service and sit-down dining to grab & go, travel & convenience, and specialty retail.”
Several of my American great uncles quarried stone from our private isle in Maine that was used at Pen Central station and the Grand Central Station in New York.