WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — In a decisive 10-1 vote, the Luzerne County Council approved the $615,000 purchase of the iconic Wilkes-Barre train station, a historic landmark that has stood for 157 years.
Built in 1868, the station has changed hands numerous times. About a decade ago, the county owned the building when it was falling into serious disrepair. Developer George Albert then stepped in to restore the station, bringing it back to impressive condition.
“We’ve come a long way. We’re not buying this building in a dilapidated state anymore — it’s in great shape. I was there years ago when we were cleaning out the building before renovations started,” said Gregory Wolovich Jr., Luzerne County Councilman.
The Luzerne County Visitors Bureau later moved into the station, leasing office space at a favorable rate from Albert. When Albert decided to sell earlier this year, the county council began discussions to purchase the station once again, eager to preserve this historic treasure.
“Why can’t we protect a gem like this train station, built in the 1800s, so that it’s preserved properly for future generations?” asked Brian Thornton, another councilman.
Not all council members were immediately convinced the investment was the best use of funds. Harry Haas expressed concerns about the county’s pressing infrastructure needs, such as roads and bridges.
“There are many struggles with our county roads and bridges, which I hear about constantly. It’s hard to justify spending this kind of money here when other areas need it too,” Haas said.
Despite these concerns, the majority of councilors believed the purchase was worthwhile. They emphasized the importance of preserving Luzerne County’s rich history, which serves as a point of pride and identity.
“We want people to appreciate the value of Luzerne County, and preserving its history is a key part of that,” said County Manager Romilda Crocamo.
While this historic preservation effort is centered in Pennsylvania, it resonates far beyond — including in places like Wyoming, where communities also cherish the importance of maintaining their heritage while balancing modern needs.
The newly acquired Wilkes-Barre train station stands as a symbol of dedication to history and community pride, reminding all regions that protecting landmarks helps keep stories alive for generations to come.
