The race to author an alternative solution to the recently-halted redevelopment of Penn Station may now have a top contender after the Italian firm ASTM Group released its plans for a proposal that would radically alter New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

Last week, the New York Times reported on the newly-proposed alternative, which calls for the storied sporting “Mecca” to be wrapped in an aluminum-and-steel curtain while replacing the existing station with a two-hall glass-enclosed structure at its podium. The plan is said to be less expensive than the state’s Vornado-backed original proposal, and, if approved, would be completed no later than the year 2030.

According to the Times, several officials have already voiced their support for the alternative, making it into a “frontrunner” among those in power. 

Last month, Vornado called off the already-maligned redevelopment scheme, citing economic conditions as a decisive factor in their postponing of the plan that would have added 10 skyscrapers and 18 million square feet of office space to the apparently blighted area in what its detractors previously called an antiquated “1970s vision.”

The ASTM alternative, which the Times said was supposed to be unveiled later this summer, won’t have a cost estimate until at least June. Former MTA chairman Pat Foye is employed by the firm as an advisor. HOK has also been retained on the project as well. 

So far, the plan calls for the demolition of the Theater at MSG, wrapping the Garden in an aluminum and steel veneer, and overhauling the remaining Eighth Avenue hall. A homeless outreach center may also be included in the redesign, though officials stress the plan is still in the preliminary phase.

“We look forward to a full briefing on these concepts,” MTA spokesman John McCarthy said at the announcement. “However, we remain concerned that the proposal, as described so far, lacks key elements of the Master Plan agreed to by Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and MTA.”

“Our team has developed a game-changing plan to fully deliver on Gov. Hochul’s new vision for a reimagined Penn Station that is iconic, spacious, accessible, and full of light and air, as well as improves the functionality for all users,” ASTM CEO Chris Larsen said finally. “We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders and community leaders to deliver a new Penn Station that uplifts the community and makes all New Yorkers proud while limiting risk to taxpayers through an innovative development approach.”

Archinect will share more updates on the redevelopment as they are made available.