The Penn District is the result of a seamless synergy between engineers, architects and designers, a project that transformed and redefined an entire neighborhood in the heart of New York City, made possible by the invaluable contribution of Henraux.

The paving project of Penn District was designed to accommodate no less than 650.000 people a day and with the idea that this area not only serves for work, but also as a place for leisure and for pedestrian flow. In fact, this is more than just paving of an exterior space.

The main goal - equally important to the stone selection process that could evoke a sense of timelessness - was to give this area a refined, enduring elegance, capable of surviving to fleeting trends and standing up to the test of time: the very essence of New York.

Aesthetics and emotional impact were just two of the elements that the design team at MdeAS ARCHITECTS had to consider. Other crucial factors that played a key role in selecting a particular stone were durability against heavy foot traffic, safety, strength, color consistency, longevity, and — vital for a project of this scale — material sourcing.

The choice ultimately led to Petit Granit, a Belgian limestone known for its exceptional resistance to wear and its ability to showcase different visual effects depending on the finish. Its rough, matte surface not only highlights the natural beauty of the stone but also ensures a non-reflective, anti-slip texture — essential for safely managing the high pedestrian flow of the Penn District. Henraux played a crucial role in both block selection from Carrieres du Hainaut quarry in Belgium and slab selection; optimising each slab through advanced manufacturing technologies, maximising material use.

The dry-lay installation technique made possible a virtual preview of the final layout on-site, thus enabling the client’s approval before the material was shipped to New York.
Given the complexity of the project, the installation of the pavement required experienced and highly skilled professionals that would be able to meet strict quality standards and technical specifications, including precise elevation levels and varying installation depths.

The paved area connects key Penn District sites — PENN 1, PENN 2, Plaza 33 — as well as adjacent public transit entrances. The stone was laid parallel to Manhattan’s street grid, emphasising the vastness of the Penn District and amplifying the sense of openness of the whole area. At the same time, the perpendicular orientation of the stone to pedestrian flow creates a visual continuity, transforming sidewalks into unifying elements that link plazas and public spaces throughout this vibrant and modern district.

Thanks to this project in which Henraux’s expertise and experience played a key role, the Penn District is now the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, form and function. It’s a space designed to enrich the daily lives of visitors: a safe space that encourages social interaction. Through carefully chosen materials, it tells the story of a great city — using timeless elements and forward-thinking design to create a place for today, and for the generations to come.