SEPTA honored for Chestnut Hill station restoration project

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) earlier this month was recognized with the Chestnut Hill Conservancy 2019 Preservation Recognition Award.

The award was presented Jan. 5 to recognize the transit agency's "commitment to preserving the character of community landmarks across the system," SEPTA officials said in a press release.

SEPTA received the honor after replacing the canopy at the Chestnut Hill West Station in Philadelphia. Former SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel prioritized the restoration project.

Crews replaced rotted wood, renovated the roof, painted the shelter and performed other structural repairs. Painters were able to computer-match paint samples to ensure the new woodwork would resemble the original colors.

“You don’t really have anything like this around anymore,” said Jerry McGovern, SEPTA's director of railroad buildings and bridges. “We used modern materials in order to replicate the pieces that had to be done.”