Philadelphia’s iconic William H. Gray III 30th Street Station is set to undergo a significant transformation, marking a new chapter for passenger rail in the city. Amtrak, alongside federal, state, and local officials, community leaders, and partners, has officially launched the construction phase of a major renovation project aimed at enhancing, preserving, and modernizing this historic transportation hub.
This ambitious undertaking stems from a comprehensive vision developed in 2016 through a collaborative effort between Amtrak, Brandywine Realty Trust, Drexel University, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). This vision served as a blueprint for the improvement and development of Gray 30th Street Station and its surrounding district. The current project represents the initial phase of this broader District Plan.
“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,” stated Tracie Winbigler, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Business Transformation and Chief Financial Officer. She further emphasized the project’s wider community benefits, noting that the station transformation will also “improve Market Street Plaza, expand retail offerings and provide other benefits to the local community.”
Exterior view of Philadelphia's 30th Street Station showcasing its grand architecture.
Amtrak has strategically partnered with Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia (PIP) as the master developer for this transformative project. Through a public-private partnership (P3) agreement, PIP will be responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle of the station improvements, encompassing design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance for a 50-year period. Key contractors involved in bringing this vision to life include Gilbane Building Company, serving as the design-build lead, Johnson Controls Inc. for facility operations and maintenance, and Vantage Airport Group, focusing on concessions development and management.
The project boasts an estimated capital construction value of $550 million and encompasses a wide range of essential upgrades and enhancements. Key elements of the Pennsylvania 30th Street Station restoration and renovation include:
- Modernized and Expanded Retail and Dining: Revamping and increasing the variety of food & beverage and retail options within the station to cater to the diverse needs of travelers and visitors.
- Enhanced Customer Experience and Station Operations: Improving the overall flow and efficiency of station operations to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers.
- Upgraded Outdoor Amenities: Enhancing The Porch, the outdoor public space adjacent to the station, with improved landscaping and community amenities, creating a more welcoming environment.
- Modernized Amtrak Corporate Offices: Updating Amtrak’s corporate office spaces within the station to foster a more contemporary and productive work environment.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading essential building infrastructure to ensure the station remains in a state of good repair and meets modern standards for years to come.
Beyond the physical upgrades, PIP equity sponsor, Plenary Americas, LP, is making a significant investment in the local community. A $2.5 million community impact fund will be established, dedicated to supporting career development and small business growth opportunities for women, people of color, and under-represented groups in West Philadelphia and the wider city. The initial grants from this fund will be directed towards worker training programs run by the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council (Samuel Staten Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program) and the Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region (WINC, Women in Non-traditional Careers).
Furthermore, The Enterprise Center will receive grant funding to bolster their ongoing initiatives promoting racial and economic equity by facilitating access to capital for small businesses. Additional grants will be distributed to local small business advocacy organizations, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA/DE/NJ, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, and Women Business Enterprise Council East.
Navigating Construction at Pennsylvania 30th Street Station
While the modernization project progresses, Pennsylvania 30th Street Station will remain fully operational. However, Amtrak advises passengers to allow for extra time when accessing boarding platforms due to ongoing construction activities. Pedestrian path adjustments implemented in the fall of the previous year will remain in effect throughout the construction period.
Elevator and escalator upgrades commenced in January 2024, and further construction phases are scheduled to continue through 2027. The station’s South Concourse has been temporarily closed for major construction since January 1, 2024, with a planned reopening in Summer 2025. To mitigate the temporary closure of the South Concourse, concession kiosks have been installed in the station’s main concourse, supplementing existing retail outlets that are not impacted by the construction. Concession locations within the SEPTA concourse and rental car facilities will continue to operate. Currently available concession kiosks in the main concourse include Dunkin’ Donuts, Hudson News, and Pret A Manger.
For detailed visuals of the project and additional information, travelers and interested parties are encouraged to visit gray30thstreetstation.com.
Stakeholder Perspectives on the Redevelopment
Brian Budden, President and CEO of Plenary Americas, LP, expressed pride in commencing construction on the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Redevelopment Project. He highlighted the $2.5 million community impact fund, stating, “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, emphasized the project’s significance for the city, stating, “The redevelopment of the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station is a landmark project for the Philadelphia community. 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, shared his vision for the enhanced passenger experience: “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.”
This comprehensive redevelopment project promises to revitalize Pennsylvania 30th Street Station, ensuring its place as a premier transportation hub for Philadelphia and a landmark for generations to come.
