Restoring One Penn Plaza

Repairing a Critical Structure with Minimal Disruption

Madison Square Garden is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, drawing millions of visitors each year for concerts, sports, and Broadway shows. Behind the scenes, the buildings and infrastructure around it are just as important to keeping everything running smoothly. One critical structure is the One Penn Plaza parking garage, which, over time, needed significant repairs to remain safe and functional.

A TEAM EFFORT FOR LASTING IMPACT

The repairs required both concrete and steel work, and careful planning was essential. EDG Architecture + Engineering partnered with STRUCTURAL, an expert in concrete repair, to ensure the project was completed properly. A major challenge was keeping the parking garage open while the work was ongoing. With thousands of cars using the garage every day, minimizing disruption to both the venue and nearby businesses was crucial.

WHAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE RESTORATION?

The project included repairing sections of concrete, fixing beams, expanding columns, and adding steel reinforcements. Given the garage's heavy daily traffic, shutting it down entirely wasn’t feasible. The team organized the work in phases, scheduling repairs during quieter hours to ensure the garage stayed open and operational throughout the process.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES WHILE KEEPING THE GARAGE OPEN

One of the top priorities was keeping the parking garage open during repairs. Thousands of daily drivers rely on the facility and closing it would have caused major disruptions. By maintaining access to the garage, the team also helped local businesses, including Insomnia Cookies, stay open without significant interruptions. This was especially impressive given that the restoration work was directly below the business, which typically would need to close during that portion of the restoration, but EDG created a plan that allowed the restoration to move forward without the closure, and for normal traffic to flow so the nearby businesses didn’t lose customers or revenue.

Keeping the garage open saved significant costs that would have been incurred if the garage had to shut down. Careful planning and phased repairs allowed for minimal disruption, ensuring businesses could continue operating and the garage remained a vital part of the area.

MEETING SAFETY STANDARDS

Throughout the restoration, safety was a top priority. The project adhered to New York City’s Local Law 126, which mandates regular inspections and repairs for parking garages. (More details on these regulations can be found here: https://www.locallaw126.com/). Work at One Penn Plaza ensured the garage met these stringent safety standards, protecting both drivers and pedestrians.

A SUCCESS FOR ONE PENN PLAZA AND THE COMMUNITY

The completion of the restoration means One Penn Plaza’s parking garage remains a safe and reliable part of New York City’s infrastructure. EDG and STRUCTURAL’s collaboration resulted in a successful project that kept the garage operational and minimized disruption for local businesses and the community.

Beyond repairs, the project ensured compliance with New York City’s safety regulations, contributing to the stability and longevity of the city’s infrastructure. It wasn’t just about fixing a parking garage—it was about supporting local businesses, preserving vital infrastructure, and ensuring New York City remains a hub for culture, sports, and entertainment.

Ultimately, this project highlighted the lasting impact of careful planning and teamwork, ensuring the garage stayed open, businesses thrived, and New York City continued to shine.

Need help navigating inspections, repairs, or resolving a violation? EDG is NYC’s most trusted parking structure consultant, and we’re here to help. In partnership with STRUCTURAL, our experts are equipped to handle concrete repairs safely, efficiently, and with little disturbance and a lasting impact. Reach out to our team at garageinquiries@edgnyc.com for any questions or to learn more about our process.

Learn more about our restoration services, about STRUCTURAL, or reach out to see how we can help.