The Coraopolis Train Station was built in 189 by Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad. This station serviced passengers between Beaver County and Pittsburgh. Now the station is currently undergoing renovations to restore the station for new use. The station was purchased by the Coraopolis Community Development Foundation in 2006. The goal for the project is to restore the historic landmark and renovate the space into a multi-use facility for events and add a café. This station will serve the local community as well as users of the future Ohio River Trails as well as the Montour Trail.

The building once was one of the busiest stops on the rail line. Adjacent to the rail line was also a freight station that served as a shipping point for steel, glass, and agricultural supplies. The station has been vacant since the early 1980’s. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic places since 1978. The building was listed by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks foundation. In 2010, the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh listed the building as one of their top ten preservation opportunities.

The estimated cost to restore the train station are between $900,000 and $1.2 million dollars. Phase one of the project consist of stabilization and weatherproofing the building to protect it from further damage from the outside elements. During this phase of the project, artifacts were found including, passenger ticket stubs, an Edison bulb, original architectural plans, and much more. Once the station is complete some of the artifacts will be on display for the public.

In July 2016, the Historic Coraopolis Trail Station Project has been awarded a $290,000 grant through the Allegheny Foundation to begin phase two of the project. Phase two consists of conceptual design and engineering, repairs to the exterior envelope, and finalizing roof repairs. Shawn Reed, the Project Chairman stated that, “We continue to believe that the station will be a centerpiece in the ongoing development of this great little town.”

For more information regarding this project, volunteering, or donating, please visit their website http://www.coraopolistrainstationproject.org/.