The Pennsylvania Railroad Company created the post of Chief Engineer Philadelphia Improvements in 1927. The project, begun under an agreement with the city dated July 13, 1925, included the construction of a new underground station for suburban trains topped by a new corporate headquarters, a new main line station at 30th Street, and the necessary connecting tracks. The city executed the associated street and subway improvements. Robert Farnham was appointed Chief Engineer Philadelphia Improvements, Graham, Anderson, Probst & White of Chicago were selected as architects, and United Engineers & Constructors as general contractor.
Work began in December 1927. The Suburban Station and office building and the suburban level of 30th Street Station were opened in 1930, and one main line platform and the head house of 30th Street in 1933. Both the railroad and city ran out of funds in the depression, and the city stopped work in 1932. The railroad continued on a much reduced scale until 1936. The special Philadelphia Improvement organization was abolished in the fall of 1937. Farnham became Assistant Chief Engineer-Eastern Region, and subsequent work, fully resumed in 1948, was supervised by the Chief Engineer-Eastern Region.
From the description of Records, 1925-1938. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 86093999
