Discover Lansdale received welcomed news on Wednesday, after state Rep. Steve Malagari announced a $1,017,868 million grant was awarded to assist with the rehabilitation of the historic Reading Railroad Freight House.
“Lansdale’s history is deeply tied to the rail line that runs through it,” Malagari said. “Restoring the Freight House is more than just historic preservation, it is about protecting and honoring what makes this town unique.”
The $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant is designated for the repair and rehabilitation of the historic Reading Railroad Freight House. Included in the repairs is the renovation of the shipping office area, along with the installation of showcases for rotating exhibits.
The parking lot will be updated with utility services including service connections to the freight house building, stormwater improvements, concrete curbing, sidewalks, paving, lighting, landscaping, striping, ADA parking and ADA-accessible routes.
“It is hard to put into words the excitement and gratitude we feel about this news. After many frustrating delays, this project will finally get what it needs to get it completed,” said Bill Henning, Discover Lansdale board member who has been spearheading the renovations. “A big "thank you" to Rep. Steve Malagari for seeing, understanding, and believing in what a great asset the historic Lansdale Freight House will be for our community. His support, along with many others, was a huge help in making this possible. We are certainly looking forward to finally making real progress. 2022 was the year of Lansdale’s 150th anniversary, but 2023 will be the year of the Freight House.”
Malagari said that Discover Landale has worked tirelessly to save this distinctive building from ruins and its volunteers have devoted countless hours of labor to its restoration. He said that the successful completion of this project would be a victory not just for them, but for all the residents of Lansdale who will reap the economic, social, and educational benefits that the restored use of this building will bring.
Prior to the grant being awarded, Lansdale Borough approved a $1.2 million contract in August to pave the parking lot outside of the Freight House. While Discover Lansdale owns the building itself, the lot is owned by the Lansdale Parking Authority.
See also:
Lansdale Approves Contract to Pave Freight House Parking Lot
‘Luxor Lansdale’ Receives Approval from Lansdale Borough Council
Discover Lansdale Provides Update, Estimated Completion Date for Freight House Renovations
Work To Begin On Lansdale Freight House
Freight House Progress Coming Slowly and Steadily
