Canaan Union Station sold for $800,000, railroad use to continue

The Canaan Union Station has been sold for $800,000, marking a new chapter for one of the town’s most recognizable historic landmarks while maintaining its railroad-related uses and existing tenants.

The property was purchased by Canaan Station LLC, an entity associated with the Housatonic Railroad, from the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association, as recorded with the town clerk’s office.

Under the new ownership, the building will continue to serve multiple purposes. Housatonic Railroad plans to consolidate its offices within the station, while the railroad museum, a physical therapy office, and Paul Ramunni’s accordion shop will remain in the building, though the shop will be reduced in size and relocated within the structure.

“We have no substantial plans for change,” said Edward J. Rodriguez, executive vice president and general counsel for Housatonic Railroad (HRRC). “The station is an important part of Canaan’s history and character. We’re bringing it back to its original railroad purpose.”

A landmark

The station has been part of North Canaan since 1871, when competing railroads—including the Housatonic Railroad, which dates to 1841, and the Connecticut Western Railroad—agreed to share a single depot for passenger service at their crossing point. The Connecticut Western Railroad ran east to west between Hartford and Millerton, intersecting with the Housatonic Railroad in North Canaan.

The Victorian-style building was designed with symmetrical wings for each railroad and included a central tower that gave staff visibility in all directions across the rail junction. A restaurant once operated on the second floor during the station’s early years.

Over time, the rail lines changed ownership and eventually came under the control of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.

The Housatonic Railroad now conducts a freight business.

Fire and restoration

A 2001 arson fire severely damaged the structure, prompting a community-led effort to save it. The Connecticut Railroad Historical Association acquired the remains in 2003 and, with help from local groups and donors, raised more than $3 million to restore the station.

Rebuilding took years and was not completed until 2018. The station is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Financial pressures led to the sale.

The historical association ultimately decided to sell the property due to financial strain.

Douglas Humes Jr., president of the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association, said the group struggled with debt following restoration efforts, particularly after the departure of the Great Falls Brewing Company, which had operated in the station.

“That put us in a bad position,” Humes said. “We had to pay off debts.”

He said the decision reflected practical realities rather than a lack of commitment to preservation.

Terms of the agreement

The sale is a tri-party agreement, including the historical association, the state of Connecticut and the town of North Canaan. No changes may be made to the station before 2030. A 99-year lease with the town to provide public parking at the station’s parking area for $1 will remain in effect.

“The station is the centerpiece of the town,” said Humes, a former first selectman.“The museum was created so people understand the history of the railroad and what it did for Canaan and the surrounding areas. We look forward to working with the new owner to promote railroading in Canaan. Now the station is preserved for future generations.”

The Railroad Museum at the station is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.