WHERE WE STAND

Discover Lansdale obtained the  Freight House in 2016 to rescue a crucial piece of borough history from the wrecking ball. Our project will turn one of the town’s most historic, long-abandoned properties into a welcome center for tourists and visitors; a site to tell the town’s history through displays and presentations; and a unique venue for public and civic events and private functions. 

When we purchased the abandoned building, it was located in a dirt lot surrounded by gravel and brownfield. Since then, the area has been a center of revitalization, including the Liberty Bell Trail, Lansdale Borough Hall, Andale Green, Luxor Lansdale, and of course the popular multi-county Liberty Trail. 

It’s one of Lansdale’s most recognizable structures – not only because of the exceptional masonry workmanship that stands undiminished after 120-plus years, but also because it is out in the open, in the redeveloping heart of town, its visibility virtually unimpeded from the street, rail and trail. 

What We're Doing

We are structurally rehabilitating the building with an eye to history —  restoring and operating the old shipping office area as a Welcome Center for visitors, a guide to direct newcomers to Lansdale businesses and services, and a display area for the borough's industrial heritage. 

The majority of the 3,900-sq.-ft. facility will become a multi-use civic and rental venue. Users will include businesses and organizations for meetings and events, merchants for markets, artists and crafters for displays and sales, promoters and performers for presentations, and the general public for celebrations and receptions from weddings to showers to anniversary parties. 

There is currently no venue of this capacity (150+), history and ambience within the North Penn area. Rental income is projected to fund operating costs.

A building this old needs to be brought up to current conditions and codes . While the stonework, roofing and framing is very sound, repairs and improvements will include constructing replacement flooring and underlying structural systems; refurbishing freight doors and glass transoms, installing electric, water and sewer service, HVAC systems and plumbing facilities. Utility work is supplied to the property through Lansdale Borough, Lansdale Electric, North Penn Water Authority, and Lansdale Parking Authority, with all of whom we work closely. 

We also intend to restore the front entrance, installing accessibly ramps and other visitor-friendly features, restoring the entrance foyer, outfitting a subdivided office area and cabinetry to resemble its original freight office character, for Welcome Center use; add ADA accessible restrooms, storage spaces, appropriate flooring and industrial-style fixtures. 

What We Need

We currently have put the project out to bid and chosen a general contractor — but because of cost escalation, a generous grant from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program of about $1 million today takes us about two-thirds of the way to completing our work.  

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