Shoemaker to renovate historic Wilmington Station

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, JUNE 2009 — Shoemaker Construction Co. announces the commencement of construction activities at Amtrak’s historic Wilmington Station.

The 100-year old landmark was designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Frank Furness. The brick structure with stone trim and terra cotta tile roof features a prominent clock tower and arched windows in the style of Gothic Romanesque Revival.

Work includes construction of a new interior and restoration of the façade of the 47,600 square foot station. The revitalized station, designed by Bernardon Haber Holloway of Wilmington, Delaware, will feature a modern ticket counter, new waiting areas, upgraded elevators and escalators, and new business offices. The interior will be finished in polished stainless steel, glass, and teal terrazzo floors to compliment Amtrak’s Acela trains.

The station will remain in full operation during construction activities. Shoemaker will construct a temporary station adjacent to the existing structure to accommodate passengers and employees during interior demolition and reconstruction. The project team will address all necessary safety precautions, temporary signage, and access requirements.

Shoemaker will complete upgrades to approximately 3,000 feet of platforms, including the extension of high-level platforms and renovation/expansion of a retail concourse on the upper level. Work also includes waterproofing 930 feet of track beds and improving 7 rail bridges.

Exterior work will be completed by the middle of 2010, with the station interior re-opening February 2011.

Wilmington Station is Amtrak’s 11th busiest nationwide, serving in excess of 700,000 passengers per year. The station is served by up to 90 trains per day: 70 Amtrak trains traveling the Northeast Corridor and another 20 SEPTA trains providing service into Philadelphia.

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