The Cynwyd Train Station as it looks today. View is of the west side facing Conshohocken State Road.

We are delighted to report that the stabilization of this historic structure has begun in earnest. A collaboration is in progress among SEPTA, Montgomery County, the Township of Lower Merion, The Lower Merion Historical Society, JECB Construction, Broadlands Financial Group, Kaplan Stewart Attorneys at Law, The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd, and many other volunteers. The purpose is to restore the 1886 Cynwyd Train Station to active use as a multi-purpose facility and trail-head for the Cynwyd Trail. A brief synopsis and timeline of events is outlined below.

Restoration Grant Funding for Phase One of the project has been completed. In late October 2007, the Montgomery County Commissioners authorized $225,000 for improvements to the Cynwyd Station. Earlier this year, the Township of Lower Merion Commissioners approved a matching grant for $225,000.

In November 2007, the lease agreement between SEPTA and the Township, for the Cynwyd Station, gave lessee responsibilities to the Township. The final piece of the transaction took place in December 2007 when the Township and The Lower Merion Historical Society signed the paperwork sub-leasing the Cynwyd Station to the Historical Society.

Lower Merion Township and Historical Society representatives signing the sub-lease agreement for the Cynwyd Train Station. Front row: Jerry Francis, Doug Cleland, Bruce D. Reed Back row: Ken Brier, Chris Leswing, Brian Fortay, Jim Easter, Leon Levine, George Broseman, Bob Duncan, Joanne Murray

Having the funding and the lease in place, the Historical Society began a two year Three Phase revitalization of the station. In January 2008, we began the initial construction work of reviving this dilapidated building. Phase One, stabilization of the building, started with the demolition and clean-out of the interior walls and debris. In early March, the Society was issued a permit to proceed. Because of water intrusion, fire damage and termite infestation, this will require the removal and replacement of rafters and the first and second floor joist beams and flooring. Where possible, we will salvage and re-install the lumber, but if some of the materials are not re-usable, we will replace them with in-kind, full-cut lumber. In the fall, we will move on to the repair and stabilization of the exterior walls, the roof, and the addition of a dormer on the west side.

Interior view prior to the clean out of the station.

Interior view after the initial clean out. Holding a group discussion about the re-building of the station are: Jeff Dolan, Bob Lammer, George Broseman, Tom Schaeffer, and Jim Easter

In 2009, we will begin Phase Two which will involve lease-hold improvements performed by a tenant(s). Also, Phase Three will re-introduce the ornamentation features on the outside of the building.