Malagari & Collett announce $100K in state funding for Lansdale Freight House rehabilitation
Rep. Steve Malagari June 12, 2025 | 9:48 AM
LANSDALE, June 12 – State Rep. Steve Malagari and state Sen. Maria Collett have announced the award of a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation grant to Discover Lansdale for its rehabilitation project at the historic Lansdale Freight House.
This vital grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) supports historical and heritage organizations, museums, and local governments, bolstering their efforts to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage.
"We had previously received the PHMC planning grant, which was such a huge help in getting our 120+ year old Lansdale Freight House from just a dream in our minds to real plans on paper,” said Bill Henning, president of Discover Lansdale and chair of the Freight House Committee. "Now, with this PHMC construction grant, which our whole Freight House team is SO excited to be awarded, it will go a long way in helping us get from those paper plans into a completed valued asset with unlimited potential for our residents, our community, and our businesses throughout our town."
With its rehabilitation, Discover Lansdale aims to give the Freight House a new life as a civic center for public and private gatherings, a Welcome Center for downtown visitors, and a way station on the Liberty Bell Trail.
“As someone who was raised right here in Lansdale, I know firsthand how much Discover Lansdale contributes to the thriving spirit of community in our borough,” said Malagari, D-Montgomery. “From preserving our history to hosting the events that bring us together, they help make Lansdale the vibrant, welcoming place we all call home, and I’m proud to help secure this funding to ensure that vital work continues."
“The work that Discover Lansdale does to make Lansdale’s rich history and culture inviting and accessible is essential to the vitality of our community," said Collett, D-Montgomery. "From their First Fridays to annual community days and more, Discover Lansdale not only brings neighbors and visitors together, but ensures local businesses and organizations have a place to thrive. It’s an honor to support this grant funding that will enable Discover Lansdale to continue their work making the borough a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.”
Discover Lansdale is a registered nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers who aim to foster community growth by creating opportunities that make Lansdale a dynamic destination for families to enjoy and businesses to thrive in. It provides a safe venue for special events, entertainment, nightlife, shopping and work, and hosts borough staples including Founders Day and First Fridays.
PHMC will actively promote Discover Lansdale and other grant recipients’ projects as they align with the upcoming 2026 United States Semiquincentennial celebration, highlighting Pennsylvania's enduring legacy.
These grants are funded by the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund, which receives annual support from a portion of the state realty transfer tax revenue.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram or LinkedIn.