Rendering of a planned accessible entrance ramp and exterior repairs at the Lansdale Freight House. (Credit: Discover Lansdale)
The historic revival begins for the 123-year-old structure at Vine and Broad streets in Lansdale Borough
A new chapter in Lansdale’s storied past will officially begin Thursday afternoon, as state and local leaders join community members to break ground on the long-awaited restoration of the Lansdale Freight House.
The ceremony, scheduled for 1 p.m. at 111 S. Broad Street, will mark the official start of rehabilitation efforts for the 123-year-old structure, a former hub of industrial commerce that has stood in silent witness to Lansdale’s growth since 1902.
Featured guests at the groundbreaking ceremony include State Sen. Maria Collett, State Rep. Steve Malagari, Lansdale Borough officials, and the Freight House Committee of Discover Lansdale, which has spearheaded the multi-year effort to bring the building back to life.
A Century of Waiting Ends
Originally built as the borough’s main freight depot in the early 20th century, the Freight House was once a vital artery for goods moving through Montgomery County. After decades of disuse following its closure in the 1970s, the building appeared destined for demolition — until community efforts rallied to save it.
In 2016, Discover Lansdale purchased the stone structure with the goal of preserving it and reimagining it for modern civic use. Since then, volunteers and borough officials have hosted open houses, coordinated cleanup days, and slowly raised support to transform the site into a Welcome Center, heritage exhibit space, and event venue that can host public and private gatherings.
Rendering showing a new office and restroom area, new lighting, and repaired windows and floors inside the Lansdale Freight House. (Credit: Discover Lansdale)Big Plans, Bigger Commitment
The rehabilitation project, led by Gordon H. Baver, Inc., comes with a price tag of more than $2.2 million. Roughly $1 million has been secured through grants from the PA Historical and Museum Commission, state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
Discover Lansdale has launched a fundraising campaign, Friends of the Freight House, to close the remaining gap and fully realize the vision.
Renovations will include rebuilding the floor, restoring stonework, adding utilities and an ADA-compliant restroom, installing period-appropriate doors and windows, and creating a functional courtyard beside the Liberty Bell Trail.
When complete, the Freight House will not only honor the town’s industrial past but also serve as a dynamic addition to the downtown landscape.
A Groundbreaking with Meaning
Thursday’s event will serve as both a ceremonial milestone and a public rallying point. Organizers hope to inspire continued community investment and support as the project enters its most visible phase.
Attendees will be able to meet key partners behind the project, hear more about the vision for space, and get a glimpse of the transformation to come.
For more information, updates, or to contribute to the effort, visit lansdalefreighthouse.org or follow the Discover Lansdale Freight House page on Facebook.
