Under a contract with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Foster + Partners and A. Epstein and Sons International Inc have revealed plans to overhaul Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
The $10 billion project will replace the existing 73-year-old, functionally obsolete terminal with a state-of-the-art facility. The reimagined 2.1 million-square-foot transport hub will be designed to meet commuter growth demands and help eliminate bus traffic on surrounding streets.
The blueprint includes a large atrium with a central skylight to flood the space with natural daylight. The back wall will be glazed to animate the interior spaces and strengthen the building’s connection with the street.
From the point of arrival, centrally located escalators, stairs, and elevators will be clearly identifiable to provide a trouble-free journey through the space. The multi-story atrium—accessible via the street level or the underground subway—will also serve as a clear visual connection between the various levels.
“The project is about reimagining the transport hub of the future, bringing together the subway and bus network into a single integrated terminal,” says Antoinette Nassopoulos-Erickson, senior partner at Foster + Partners. “The design puts the passenger first and will be at the cutting edge of security, comfort, and inclusivity, while being of its place and serving the people of New Jersey and New York.”
When complete, the project will also introduce 3.5 acres of publicly accessible green space, in addition to other sustainable elements including LEED certification, clean construction, onsite renewable energy, zoned heating and cooling systems, and heat recovery and reuse technology.
The project is expected to be built in phases—with a staging and storage facility completed in 2028 to serve as a temporary terminal until the main terminal is completed in 2032.
“This project will revolutionize the way people experience the city of New York,” adds Nigel Dancey, head of studio at Foster + Partners. “[Our] new terminal design delivered to the Port Authority makes public transportation more inviting and accessible, with passenger-centric design, intuitive wayfinding, and permeable new public spaces.”
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