In the late 19th century, the economic boom created by coal and Greensburg's growing importance as a retail and industrial center convinced the Pennsylvania Railroad to build the Train Station at Greensburg. The railroad commissioned architect William Cookman to design the new station. On August 2, 1911, the newly constructed, elegantly designed Train Station at Greensburg was opened to the public.
The Station and rail tracks through Greensburg were heavily used for freight and passengers until the late 1940s. As America depended more on automobiles and the highway system, passenger travel slowed until Penn Central sold the Station. Although Greensburg remained a stop on the main line, the Station was allowed to deteriorate for various reasons.
In April 1993, the Westmoreland Trust purchased the Station at the recommendation of a Task Force of area business and civic leaders and began to formulate a plan for its restoration and use.
Construction began in September 1996 with the help of City, County, State, and Federal governmental agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
The Train Station at Greensburg celebrated its grand reopening on February 18, 1998.
Today, the Station serves as an active train terminal. Approximately 13,000 passengers a year currently get on and off the train at Greensburg.
The Station has a public lobby with a visitors' information center, specialty concession area, public restrooms, a very attractive passenger waiting area, and elevators to the train platforms. The baggage terminal has been converted into four 1,500-square-foot office suites.
Red Star Brewery and Grille is located in the old passenger terminal. The destination restaurant/micro brewery offers a moderately priced contemporary American menu influenced by the best of German, Asian, Creole, and Southwest cuisines. You can complement your meal with one of Red Star's four signature varieties of ales and stouts: Red Star Golden Light, Canvasback American Pale Ale, Swag & Tails English Brown Ale, and Iron Horse Stout. The bar, surrounded by copper-clad brewing kettles, is outfitted with nine taps equipped to handle additional seasonal brews, including rootbeer and ginger ale.
You can help The Westmoreland Trust continue its restoration effort at The Train Station and have an opportunity to honor a friend or family member, memorialize a loved one, or recognize your family or organization. For a $50.00 tax-deductible donation, you can own a permanent seat on the Westmoreland Steam Express. Each name is engraved on an attractive chemetal plate and mounted on a Westmoreland Steam Express Car. The Steam Express and its passenger cars are permanently displayed inside the Station.
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