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Penn Station Seeking Developers for Renovations

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Improvements are coming to Penn Station as Amtrak is accepting bids from developers to renovate the 100-year-old building.

Penn Station was built in 1911 and is the eighth busiest station in Amtrak's national system.

"Baltimore Penn Station is a treasured historic asset, a vital regional multi-modal hub and a community gathering place, but it is a station with challenges," said Senior Director of Amtrak Rina Cutler. "At over 100 years old, the aging station is struggling to meet the modern need of a transportation network that is in high demand."

Cutler says she is excited to announce the official solicitation to potential developers and claims these renovations will be a "game changer."

"Penn Station is an asset whose tremendous potential has been untapped for far too long," Congressman Elijah Cummings said. "I cannot wait to see Penn Station take off as a new transit hub and a business and entertainment destination."

Amtrak officials caution that the renovation will take time and that nearby properties could be developed as well. There is a possibility for retail stores and offices to be built on the second floor.

"We need to revitalize this whole area," said Donald Fry, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "Johns Hopkins, the University of
Baltimore and MICA are close by. This could be a key component of the city of Baltimore, from a commercial perspective as well as a residential perspective."

But not everyone wants the changes to be too transformative.

"If they expand it, hopefully it won't take away from some of the beauty of it," said Lisa Moreland, a Parkville resident. "We want to leave a little bit of the old and add a little bit of the new."

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