Bonus: The Original Coal-Fired Power Plant Still Exists Hidden in Plain Sight
The original coal-fired power plant of the station, built as a mirror image using the same Tennessee granite as the lost Stanford White masterpiece, still exists on 31st Street. Today, the power plant is in a significant state of disrepair, with broken windows.
When it was in operation, the powerhouse building generated electricity to power the station, provided heat, light, elevator hydraulics, refrigeration, and even incinerated garbage. By 1989, the power plant on 31st Street was almost completely obsolete. Check out photos of the obsolete equipment inside the power house here!
Remnants of Penn Station Tour
Next, see more photos of the demolition, photos of the station in its heyday, and uncover 10 secrets of the Hotel Pennsylvania currently under demolition!