Constructed between 1892 and 1893, the New York, Ontario & Western Railway Station stands as one of Middletown’s most significant historic landmarks. Designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style by prominent railroad architect Bradford Lee Gilbert, the station served both as a passenger terminal and as the principal offices of the Ontario & Western Railway. Expansions in 1904 and 1920, designed by local architect David Canfield, reflected the railroad’s growth and introduced new architectural elements while preserving the building’s commanding presence.
For more than six decades, the station played a central role in Middletown’s economic and civic life, anchoring the city’s connection to regional transportation networks. After passenger service ended in 1957, the building saw a series of adaptive uses before falling vacant following a fire in 2004. Despite years of deterioration, the station has retained its defining historic character and remains a powerful symbol of Middletown’s railroad heritage.
The redeveloped facility will provide larger classrooms with accessible bathrooms, space for disability services, adequate storage, private offices and meeting rooms, a separate parent area, a large-group training space, an indoor gross-motor space, and ADA-compliant access throughout. Outdoor improvements are anticipated to include three preschool environments: an accessible playground, an active playground, and an outdoor classroom with a tricycle track, art studio, and dramatic play stage.