The historic Brick Church station in East Orange is in the midst of a rehabilitation project that aims to transform it into a model modern station with new infrastructure preserving historic features. The New Jersey Transit board said in a recent announcement that it has implemented a set of improvements to the station building that precede a separate, recently announced rehabilitation project aimed at making the station fully accessible with high-level platforms and elevators.
“This project underscores our commitment to preserving the historic essence of our Brick Church station, while equipping it with modern amenities to better serve our community,” said Kevin Corbett, CEO and president of NJ Transit. “These improvements, combined with the significant accessibility improvements soon to be made through FTA’s generous All Station Accessibility Program grant, will improve the daily commute of countless residents, improving their quality of life and boosting the local economy in East Orange and beyond.
John O’Hara Co. Inc. of East Orange was awarded a $3 million contract to restore the station building’s interior walls, doors and ceilings, installation of a historic plaque, electrical work , restroom modifications to make them ADA compliant, heating equipment, painting, telecommunications. and security upgrades.
The contract is in addition to the Federal Transit Administration’s $83.1 million grant awarded last month to replace the current low-level platforms with accessible high-level platforms and add elevators. Other improvements include restoring historic pews and terrazzo flooring as well as historic windows and providing an art installation.
