Written by Marlee Ann Gallagher
If you’re like most people who have been in Wilkinsburg recently, you may be wondering what’s up with the Wilkinsburg Train Station. Over the past year, the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) has raised $3.5 million toward the restoration of the historic building, which has been vacant for over 40 years. Construction is slated to begin later this fall.
To celebrate this fundraising milestone, among the organization’s other accomplishments over the past year, the WCDC will host Meet Me at the Station this Saturday, September 30. This gala fundraiser will take place on Ross Avenue and Hay Street, across the street from the Station, from 6-9:30 p.m. (6-7 p.m. VIP; 7-9:30 p.m. General Admission).
Meet Me at the Station will feature live music by Tom Roberts and the Allegheny City Ragtime Orchestra, a set of silent films dating back to 1916 (when the Train Station first opened), and pop-up performances by Attack Theatre. Guests will also enjoy food by Madeleine Bakery & Bistro, a new Wilkinsburg business that is set to open on South Trenton Avenue this November, as well as drinks, dancing, and a silent auction and raffle, featuring items from small businesses, local artists, and more. The highlight of the night, of course, will be the Train Station, which will be open for brief hardhat tours led by MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, the project architects. All proceeds from Meet Me at the Station will benefit the WCDC’s work to promote the revitalization of Wilkinsburg. This one-of-a-kind night in Wilkinsburg is not to be missed! Tickets are on sale now at https://www.showclix.com/event/WCDCgala, but don’t wait to get yours. Event capacity is very limited, and tickets will not be sold at the door.
For questions or additional information about the event, call (412) 727-7855 or email marlee@wilkinsburgcdc.org. To learn more about the WCDC, check out their website at www.wilkinsburgcdc.org.
See you at the Station!