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 . n
MOON TOWNSHIP | SPRING 2025 11