Project Feature: Transport Lounge at Moynihan Hall, Penn Station
Architect: SOM & FXCollaborative
Interior Designer: FXCollaborative
Location: New York, NY
Project Type: Hospitality
Spaces: Transport Lounge
Products: Custom Morgan Lounge, Custom Parker Coffee Tables, Mod Two-Seater Sofas, Mod Sectional Sofas, and Mod Benches.
Velvet Mix and Coated Fabric upholstery from HBF Textiles.
Photography: Frank Oudeman
Completion: 2021
In conjunction with the opening of Moynihan Hall—Penn Station’s new extension that debuted to the public in January 2021—its railway client envisioned a flagship venue in New York City that would provide travelers with an exclusive, VIP experience. The company took this opportunity to rebrand its former club and created a new transport lounge—a premium, full-service parlor for its loyalty program members and business class passengers at the train station’s modern wing.
When conceptualizing the new lounge, the client wanted to pay homage to historic train stations and at the same time, celebrate the future of New York City rail travel. Most importantly, they had a vision for a warm, welcoming, yet exceptional environment to receive their top-tiered level guests.
This is where the client, in collaboration with FXCollaborative, came up with the idea of designing a luxurious lounge that would amplify the relationship between transportation and hospitality, while highlighting landmarked architecture and infusing state-of-the-art technology.
Learn more about the Morgan Lounge Chair (pictured in blue).
“The previous lounge offering was located near tracks 7 and 8 and hidden from the public. Even the most avid train users were unaware of its existence,” said Justyna Mrowiec-Chun, Associate Interior Designer at FXCollaborative. “For this reimagined transport lounge, we wanted a front and center, hospitable experience for its users. The goal was to rebuild a sense of anticipation and adventure that train travel once elicited: when passengers would spend time at stations enjoying the wait for their journeys, instead of just hustling through them.”
Situated 20 feet above the Moynihan central hall with a commanding view of the terminal, the transport lounge is complete with amenities such as food and beverage options, high-speed WiFi, Red Cap baggage service and more. And in order to create a respite from the frenetic energy of Manhattan, luxurious seating solutions where guests could work, relax in private, or socialize in groups were also paramount requirements in FXCollaborative’s design.
Learn more about the Parker Table Collection (pictured in white).
"The focus of this exclusive lounge’s overall tone was an effort to fuse thoughtful hospitality with residential characteristics to the space," said Chris Graham, Director of National Sales, HBF and HBF Textiles. "FXCollaborative selected HBF products to support its design vision through on-point and comfortable sofas, chairs, and tables. The furniture pieces were also chosen to complement the modern yet classic sophistication of the lounge while providing functionality to the end users and durability for years to come.”
The seating collections and tables specially curated for the transport lounge at Moynihan Hall emphasized HBF’s prominent role in the space. FXCollaborative worked closely with Graham and HBF’s Hi-Touch Allsteel dealer to select Mod sofas and Morgan chairs with custom U-shaped legs for intimate seating neighborhoods that include solo, group, or family lounging; while HBF Textiles' Velvet Mix accentuated the space with its posh finish. In addition, the Parker Series were specified for conference rooms and boardrooms, which HBF customized Parker End, Coffee, and Conference Tables with built-in lighting.
The project—embodying the spirited collaboration between FXCollaborative and its client—also serves as a prime example of how thoughtful design can enhance the user experience. The result is a visually stunning space that blends form and function, while showcasing HBF’s ability to meet clients’ design preferences with furniture backed by an industry-leading warranty.
“HBF prides itself on the ability to provide not just furnishings, but complete interior solutions,” said Casey Baxter, Vice President and General Manager, HBF. “By having a wellspring of inspiration for classic, modern, and contemporary furniture and textiles, our portfolio’s vast selection of products allows for customization by designers—making it possible for their projects to shine. We’re incredibly excited to see the transport lounge at Moynihan Hall completed and are honored that FXCollaborative chose our products for such a high-profile location.”