Work is in progress on a new head house and station improvement project at 30th Street Station in University City, West Philadelphia. Located on the southern edge of Drexel Square, a recently completed park that is a part of the Schuylkill Yards mega development, the new head house will act as an entrance to the Market-Frankford Line and subway-surface lines portion of the massive station. Amtrak and regional rail riders will likely not use the new structure and instead enter 30th Street through its grand main hall.
Rendering of the head house via SEPTA.
Renderings depict a sleek, modern design for the new structure. Small columns hold up a canopy sheltering the entrances to the underground transit station, which include an elevator, escalators, and a stairway. The escalators and elevators will carry riders from the surface to the mezzanine and other station locations. The new staircases will be made of granite, and a new ramp will bring riders directly to the square.
Rendering of station interior via SEPTA.
The project will also bring upgrades to the interior of the station, including a full renovation of the area directly under the head house. Here, new floors and walls will be installed, with at least one featuring bright blue tiling. The space acts as a congregation area for the station’s platforms, and will surely be bustling with riders during peak hours.
Distant view of the site. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Zoomed in view of the site. Credit: Colin LeStourgeon.
Recent photos reveal that work has begun on the renovation. The former head house has been demolished and a green barricade now encloses the construction site, where excavation equipment can be seen digging the foundations and entrances to the station.
Rendering of the new head house via SEPTA.
The station is a small component in the massive Schuylkill Yards development, and will soon become necessary to handle the increased transit volume the new buildings will create. Further, if the nearby 30th Street Station District mega-development eventually comes to fruition, the station’s ridership could very well become the highest on the entire system.
Rendering of the project via SEPTA.
The project is expected to cost a total of $37 million and was originally projected to be completed sometime in 2021, though the delayed start has pushed this estimate back.
Renderings of the station interior via SEPTA.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Be the first to comment on "Work Underway on 30th Street Station Head House in University City, West Philadelphia"