Friends of Furness Railroad District

In 2006, architect Jim Tevebaugh approached WRC about getting involved with efforts to celebrate the Wilmington Train Station's 100th Anniversary. The 18-month long celebration grew into a separate 501c3 which is managed by WRC. Therefore, Friends of the Furness Railroad District was born.

The Wilmington Train Station, Pennsylvania Building and B&O Water Street station comprise the only remaining campus of Furness-designed buildings in the United States. The group of three buildings is truly a unique treasure in Wilmington.

FFRD's purpose is to create programs to educate the community about the significant role the station and its surrounding areas have played in history and continues to hold in present-day Wilmington.

The FFRD will focus on the following areas to uphold its mission:

• Identify ways to improve the aesthetics and amenities of the train station vicinity in an effort to make it more inviting to Wilmington residents and visitors
  
• Assist in generating funds for necessary capital improvements for the station and surrounding areas
  
• Educate the community about the historical and architectural importance of the station through partnering with local schools; celebrating significant milestones of the station; creating informative materials; and holding lectures
  
• Identify new ways for the train station to become a sustainable destination for residents and tourists

The mission of Friends of The Furness Railroad District (FFRD) is to increase community awareness of the cultural and historical value of the train station vicinity, including its architectural significance and importance as a major gateway into the City of Wilmington. In addition, FFRD will advocate for and influence improvements to the train station vicinity.

When FFRD has completed its mission, the train station vicinity will be a vibrant, bustling area full of Wilmington residents and visitors to the state. The vicinity will be commonly recognized as an important historical and architectural asset for the City of Wilmington and become a city icon.

The capital improvements to the area will create a safe, inviting environment that appeals to the community. The lit bridges and buildings, well-lit pedestrian walkways with viaduct murals depicting the city's history and the increased festivals and attractions in the area will draw residents and tourists to the vicinity. Families will frequent the area and residents will recognize it as not only an important transportation hub, but a fun destination.

The historical displays and educational kiosk inside the train station will educate visitors and travelers about the importance of the train station and Wilmington. The historical markers outside of the Wilmington Train Station, Pennsylvania Railroad Building and B&O Station Building will explain the architectural significance of the buildings and the uniqueness they add to the City of Wilmington.

FFRD is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors consisting of public, private and nonprofit representatives. The organization receives operational staff support from Wilmington Renaissance Corporation.