Tracking History

A beautiful local train station will once again breathe with life.

The Coraopolis Station is a beautiful example of Richardson Romanesque architecture, built in 1886 by the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad (P&LE). It was once the scene of much activity, with passengers departing for exciting adventures and others arriving to visit cherished friends and relatives, or perhaps even to begin a new life here in Allegheny County.

Between 1890 and 1910, new people arrived almost daily to work in the steel mills. In 1880 the population was 150,000, but by 1910, more than half a million people called Pittsburgh home.

Later, the station was a stop for a daily train between Pittsburgh and Beaver Falls. After this service ceased, it was converted into an auto parts store in the 1970s. None of the changes to the station were significant however, and the original character of the building survived.

Fortunately, the old station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, protecting it from further change. The design, by architectural firm Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge, features a striking tower, arched windows and custom stonework.

At one time, there were many beautiful train stations around the area, but most have disappeared. The former station in Coraopolis is one of only four to survive in Allegheny County to present day. The others are the Wilkinsburg Railroad Station, the Homestead Station, and of course, the downtown Pittsburgh train station.

The exterior restoration of the Coraopolis Station was just completed in December. The interior restoration will include stained glass throughout the structure, honoring the original 19th century design, including the iconic “eye window” in the slope of the roof.

Extensive work on the interior is now beginning, with the station’s reopening slated for 2026. The building will attract tourists nationally to view the historic station, and it will serve as a cultural arts center and community venue that will benefit the entire area, especially nearby Moon Township.

Randon Willard, executive director of Coraopolis Community Development Corporation, describes the station’s impact.

“Coraopolis and Moon Township are important neighbors. The revitalized Coraopolis Station and downtown business district will have several positive impacts on Moon Township. This vibrant area will create opportunities for Moon by increasing tourism, business growth and property values.”

Retail and restaurants will likely benefit from the additional traffic to the area, bringing in more customers and commerce from the Pittsburgh area and beyond.

The new community hub will be named the Coach Fred Milanovich Center for Community Connections, in honor of the beloved coach and teacher whose family contributed significantly to the restoration of the building.

There is currently a Personalized Paver campaign until the end of February to help support the restoration. The pavers will be placed on the front sidewalk of the station. For more information visit polarengraving.com.

To stay up-to-date with the restoration of the historic station, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/CoraopolisStationProject. The continuing preservation efforts will honor the history of our past, while paving the way for a bright economic future.