Quote:
Originally Posted by Philde25
I managed to attend, and I found the meeting surprisingly informative. The station will get a complete overhaul, including a new high-level inbound platform, safety cameras, emergency boxes, ADA-compliant elevators and ramps and new or renovated canopies.
As far as the main concern of this thread go--the preservation of Wayne Junction's buildings--SEPTA's primary goal now seems to be preservation and rehabilitation. Contrary to some reports, they're not looking to start demolishing. The plans are still only 60% complete, and I believe they said a full report on the historical aspects will be forthcoming, but they seem to be seriously trying to strike the best balance between preservation and alteration. Certainly some of the proposed elements may require alterations. But at the very least there appears to be a concerted effort to be as historically mindful as possible.
I think patio is more intimately involved behind the scenes; he may be able to provide more concrete details on the current plan.
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I was among the folks that got the specific headhouse update mentioned by German Township. No public commitment by SEPTA yet, but if SEPTA/project planning partners goes with the new idea, the headhouse will remain as will all the decorative elements of it. The general idea they have is to open the building up, eliminate the terrible plywood tunnel, and make other changes that will a lot of light in. I agree with German Township that this is really SEPTA's announcement, but this does look promising.
I have noticed some confusion about the headhouse because as originally conceived, the train platform had
three structures, the central element, the current ticket office and former baggage holding area which is a gothic revival structure, and this building was flanked by two italianate pavilions which were the headhouses or passenger holding areas. Only one of these remain, and the one that remains is the subject of the demolition issue. If anything, it would be terrific at some future time to see the lost headhouse rebuilt returning the balance to the architectural concept of the site. But for now I will be happy to see the existing building saved!