Nestled on Main Street in Yonkers, the former Yonkers Trolley Barn remains a symbol of the city’s rich history as well as its adaptive transformation. Erected at the dawn of the 20th century, this massive steel-framed brick structure, designed in the Renaissance Revival style, was an integral part of Yonkers’ trolley system. Today, it not only symbolizes the city’s resilience but also serves as a vibrant community hub with a storied past.
A Hub of Connectivity
The trolley barn’s story begins in 1903 when it was constructed to facilitate the storage and maintenance of the city’s expanding trolley network. The Yonkers Railroad Company, responding to the city’s industrial growth and increasing population, commissioned the barn as a central facility for its expanding transit system. Architect Albert V. Porter combined functionality with decorative features, utilizing an unusual lot shape and southward slope to create a distinctive building.
The barn’s three stories housed trolleys, with tracks branching out for storage and repairs. At its peak, the barn serviced 85 cars, connecting Yonkers to nine trolley lines and integrating with the broader Third Avenue Railway System. By 1911, it carried over 14 million passengers annually, playing a pivotal role in the city’s suburbanization.
Changing Times and Urban Decay
As the 20th century progressed, private automobiles gained popularity, leading to the decline of trolley systems across the nation. In 1953, the Yonkers Railroad Company ceased operations, and while tracks were dismantled, the trolley barn endured. The city’s Street Lighting Bureau occupied its offices until 1975.
Urban decay set in during the latter part of the century, exacerbated by the exodus of affluent residents from downtown. By the time it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, the once-thriving trolley barn stood vacant, its windows boarded up. Recognizing its potential, the city earmarked the restoration of the barn as a priority for downtown revitalization.
A Cinematic Backdrop and Redevelopment Challenges
In the early 21st century, the trolley barn gained prominence when its exteriors became the backdrop for a chase scene in the film “Catch Me If You Can.” Shortly thereafter, a developer embarked on its conversion into loft apartments, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
However, the project faced setbacks as legal disputes among partners halted progress. Tenants eagerly awaited promised amenities, and frustrations mounted. In 2009, Metro Partnership took charge, completing the project under the name Metro92. Despite rising rents, the primarily artist-inhabited space welcomed the long-awaited improvements.
Renaissance and Community Revival
In 2014, the Yonkers Brewing Company announced its relocation to the Trolley Barn, highlighting the area’s access to the intermodal transit hub in Getty Square. This move aimed to attract beer tourists from the city, emphasizing the convenience of Metro-North commuter rail station access.
Today, the former trolley barn stands as a symbol of adaptive reuse, blending historical significance with modern living. The interior, once dedicated to trolley maintenance, now houses spacious loft apartments. The architectural charm of the exterior, with its exposed foundation and intricate details, adds character to downtown Yonkers.
From its origins as a vital component of Yonkers’ transit system to its role in the city’s revitalization, the Trolley Barn has undergone a remarkable transformation. As a vibrant community space, it reflects the city’s ability to preserve its heritage while embracing change, providing a living testament to the spirit of Yonkers’ past and present.
