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The current construction plans — and the original set of plans from 1902.
Your Questions About The Freight House Rehabilitation Project, Answered
Have more questions? Just email [email protected], or click here to access our contact form!
1. How old is the Lansdale Freight House?
A. The Freight House was built more than 120 years ago, simultaneously with the passenger station. The intricate stonework has withstood the test of time: While wooden loading docks, eaves and joists had deteriorated and have been removed, the original, 18-inch thick stonework stands much as it did the day it was built.
2. How did Discover Lansdale come to own it?
A. The Lansdale Parking Authority purchased the vacant Freight House and land around it for a new lot in 2016. To save the stately stone structure from the wrecking ball, Discover Lansdale purchased the building from the Authority and has a 99-year lease for the land underneath.
3. What are the plans for the Freight House?
A. As a civic nonprofit, we are dedicated to turning it into a resource for the community. The front portion — the original office space — will be a Welcome Center for newcomers and visitors via Broad Street, the Liberty Bell Trail and, of course, SEPTA. Historical exhibits will display the town’s industrial heritage, and maps and directions will point folks to retailers, restaurants and services.
The remainder of the huge interior will become a one-of-a-kind venue for events public and private, from pop-up markets and beer gardens to holiday displays, to business meetings, to weddings and anniversaries. With loading doors opening onto the parking lot, events can be indoors and out. We are counting on rental revenue to help support ongoing expenses.
4. When will the Freight House be open?
A. While construction schedules are notoriously unreliable with many variables out of our control, we expect interior work to begin in earnest this fall, and hope to finish the majority of work needed to use the venue in 2025.
5. Where is the money for the project coming from?
A. Much of the demo work and site cleanup was completed by volunteers. Construction plans are supported by a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. The renovations are funded in part by the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). And trail amenities such as bike racks and benches are funded by a Regional Trails grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commision We sincerely appreciate the continued community support for this important project, and are particularly grateful to state Rep. Steve Malagari and Sen. Maria Collett for their efforts.
6. Want to get involved? Donate, Sponsor, Volunteer
A. Even with the grants and the community’s generosity, the project’s estimated costs will significantly exceed the funding. If you’re able to contribute to the Lansdale Freight House rehabilitation project — or if your company might be interested in sponsorship opportunities — or if you just want to keep up with the progress of the project, come back to discoverlansdale.org/freight-house.html often.
1. How old is the Lansdale Freight House?
A. The Freight House was built more than 120 years ago, simultaneously with the passenger station. The intricate stonework has withstood the test of time: While wooden loading docks, eaves and joists had deteriorated and have been removed, the original, 18-inch thick stonework stands much as it did the day it was built.
2. How did Discover Lansdale come to own it?
A. The Lansdale Parking Authority purchased the vacant Freight House and land around it for a new lot in 2016. To save the stately stone structure from the wrecking ball, Discover Lansdale purchased the building from the Authority and has a 99-year lease for the land underneath.
3. What are the plans for the Freight House?
A. As a civic nonprofit, we are dedicated to turning it into a resource for the community. The front portion — the original office space — will be a Welcome Center for newcomers and visitors via Broad Street, the Liberty Bell Trail and, of course, SEPTA. Historical exhibits will display the town’s industrial heritage, and maps and directions will point folks to retailers, restaurants and services.
The remainder of the huge interior will become a one-of-a-kind venue for events public and private, from pop-up markets and beer gardens to holiday displays, to business meetings, to weddings and anniversaries. With loading doors opening onto the parking lot, events can be indoors and out. We are counting on rental revenue to help support ongoing expenses.
4. When will the Freight House be open?
A. While construction schedules are notoriously unreliable with many variables out of our control, we expect interior work to begin in earnest this fall, and hope to finish the majority of work needed to use the venue in 2025.
5. Where is the money for the project coming from?
A. Much of the demo work and site cleanup was completed by volunteers. Construction plans are supported by a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. The renovations are funded in part by the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). And trail amenities such as bike racks and benches are funded by a Regional Trails grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commision We sincerely appreciate the continued community support for this important project, and are particularly grateful to state Rep. Steve Malagari and Sen. Maria Collett for their efforts.
6. Want to get involved? Donate, Sponsor, Volunteer
A. Even with the grants and the community’s generosity, the project’s estimated costs will significantly exceed the funding. If you’re able to contribute to the Lansdale Freight House rehabilitation project — or if your company might be interested in sponsorship opportunities — or if you just want to keep up with the progress of the project, come back to discoverlansdale.org/freight-house.html often.
