https://vimeo.com/18393274]
Joan Egler has always been a fan of Victorian-style architecture. This helps with the noise from the new construction renovating SEPTA’s dilapidated Allens Lane Rail Station in Philadelphia’s West Mt. Airy section.
Cresheim Road resident Egler is supportive of and anxious for the Victorian renovation to be completed at this station, located at 7294 Cresheim Street near W. Allens Lane. SEPTA embarked on their $7.46 million dollar project at Mount Airy’s R8 Chestnut Hill West line station in August of 2009. SEPTA anticipates completion in the fall of 2010.
“I was happy to find out that they are rebuilding the train station and are even using the original 100 year old wood in the reconstruction,” said Egler, “I’m a fan of works done by Victorian-era architect Frank Furness, so of course I’m excited about the project – they’re helping to preserve the history of the neighborhood.”
The reconstructed station will maintain its 1880’s Victorian architecture, designed by Frank Furness, as the plan includes refinishing original pieces and replicating those that can’t be fixed. Victor Sylvester, SEPTA senior project engineer, said, “The structures were old and the roofs were deteriorating -we’re now installing high level platforms with handicapped accessibility. The goal is to put back the station the way it was built – we’re taking each piece down and refurbishing. If we can’t fix it we are making an identical match.”
The project includes a long list of updates, from renovations to new construction. This project includes: reconstructing inbound and outbound canopies and shelters; building new high-level track-side platforms; installing new ADA accessible ramps to the platforms as well as new signage; constructing retaining walls; upgrading station lighting; installing an Audio Visual Public Address System (AVPA); drainage improvements and landscaping. There will also be a newly structured pedestrian overpass, which many residents find a great necessity for people crossing the tracks.
The cost of this extensive project raises a question for Charlton Street resident Joshua Mitteldorf: Is this construction truly beneficial to the people using the trains? “I think it’s not a very cost-effective use of their [SEPTA] money. They’re cutting trains out of their schedule each year, and every time they do, they lose riders, and then they come back and cut more trains. If they have the money for fancy new construction – why not use it to maintain service instead?”
Cresheim Road resident Jeremiah Thompson has had enough of the construction soiling the view from the window of his home with construction equipment and disarray. Yet, Thompson does think the pedestrian overpass being built will be a good addition for people using the station.
For Margaret Lenzi, there are only two things standing between her normally peaceful life on Cresheim Road: noisy construction trucks at night and the chaotic view from her front porch. “The noise has been difficult to deal with, especially when they’re working late at night. Sometimes we have to listen to a tape to help us sleep and block out the trucks and the beeping. I think the project is wonderful and was needed, the structure was really falling apart, but I just hope they’re done soon – I think it’ll be great once it’s finished.”
SEPTA’s Sylvester says the noise is an issue that is difficult to amend because of the location and function of the station. “We have had complaints about the noise level and the night work we do, but we also have a situation where we are doing a job in a tight space with active trains daily.” The snowstorms haven’t helped either, making any dreams of an earlier completion date impossible, “We’ve had problems completing the project because of the weather – that’s what has really slowed things down,” said Sylvester.
“I understand why people are complaining about the noise. It’s actually worse in the summer when the windows are open in your house. I think a simple solution to the noise issue is to just turn off the back-up alarms on the trucks, there’s no need for them, it’s excessive,” said Joshua Mitteldorf.
Charlton Street resident Mrs. William Gage isn’t bothered by the noise and anticipates the final product. “I think the construction is going well and it’s good that they are keeping the historical aspect intact.”
George Smith of Charlton Street agrees that the construction is a positive aspect to the station and the community. “I think the reconstruction was needed – the place was decrepit and falling down. I’d rather see them do something than nothing.”
Cresheim Road resident Sarah Thrower said, “I’m used to the noise because I grew up across the street from a train station. It doesn’t bother me, I think the work needed to be done – it’s good that they are trying to preserve it, it’s a historic landmark.”
The station’s High Point Cafe opened around the time when the project began last year. Meg Hagele, the cafe’s owner, believes the work will pay off both for her business and the community. ” Over the last 30 years the structures, save the main building we are in, had deteriorated to unsafe and certainly unsightly levels. We hope that once the construction is over, ridership will increase and along with it our business.”
Theresa McCaffery, the cafe manager, says, ” It’s an interesting station with a lot of history. The improvements are a plus for both ends, it will look fantastic.”
With a majority neighborhood customer base, the cafe has been able to bring in steady business despite being obscured by construction equipment. “Our customers are very loyal so there is certainly concerns about the impact the construction is having on us. Kids, however, love the big machines, so it has turned out to be a great activity for parents and caregivers with small children,” Hagele said, “We are all eager to see her restored to her previous glory.”
For Cresheim Road and Charlton Street residents, fall 2010 can’t arrive fast enough. When you have construction crews outside your front door on a 365 day basis, the situation is bound to become a tiresome inconvenience. We now arrive at our next question: Will this $7.46 million dollar project be beneficial to riders and neighbors alike?
To be continued, fall 2010.
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Construction is moving along now at a quicker pace! There’s been a lot of progress made over the last month! I feel bad for the workers, though…It’s been a very hot month!