Trolley Station

23 North Main Street, Fairport NY 14450

n.main23_v1phs2009

The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trolley Station at 23 North Main Street, now Sew Creative, was designated a Village Landmark by the Fairport Historic Preservation Commission (FHPC) in 2011. It is 100 years old this year.

Transportation in the 1900's

The Trolley Station is a well-preserved example of the interurban electric trolley form of transportation used in America in the early 1900's. This building is one of 11 designed by Gordon A. Wright, and of the eleven, it is in its most original condition. Gordon Wright developed a new design for trolley stations; the design was a significant departure from the Victorian style used in the late 1800's.

There is a feeling of openness in the wide eaves with 36 decorative brackets, which allowed passengers cover from sun, rain or snow. The roof rafters are curved to lift the eaves as they go away from the building. There is a broad hip roof. The exterior is stucco with decorative bands of wood on top. The lower sides have vertical siding of Georgian pine.

Wright's new style was influenced by the Prairie style, which became popular in the United States from 1900 to 1920; it is reminiscent of the work of Frank Lloyd Wright during this time.

n.main23rstrolleystation1906tp00365Adapted for Gas Station, Antique Shop & Sewing Shop

The Trolley Station was built in 1911. Part of the reason this building has remained so close to its original in its 100 years is it has been easily adapted for other uses. It has been: 1937 a gas station, until 1960 a auto collision repair shop, until 1970-71 a machine tool shop, until 1973-74 a shop for control systems, until 1975-76 a stained glass store, until 1976-mid 1980's an antique shop and now Sew Creative.

The Fairport Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to designate this building, which has seen so much history in the village.

rseasternstreetcar1906tpm00057Syracuse, Rochester & Eastern car -1906.

 

For more information on the Fairport Historic Preservation Commission and designated landmarks, go to the village website at www.fairportny.com or to the Village Preservation page.

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syracuserochesterelectriccarposter
Fares to Rochester - $.25


n.main23v5jwhitney2011
Wide eaves supported by 36 brackets sheltered passengers.



n.main23v1jwhitney2011
Exterior is stucco with decorative bands of wood & large windows.


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