A stream, Toney's Brook has its source just to the northwest of the station and separates the northbound platform from the parking lots on either side of the tracks.

The impetus for a brand new railway through Montclair was brought by the fact that the service to New York City was not to their liking.

[13] Despite the dissent, the New York, Oswego and Midland Railroad Company helped finance the railway and it was completed in 1872,[14] just before the Panic of 1873.

[14] In 1892, a new depot was constructed at Upper Montclair, one story tall and made of wood with a fine, classical interior.

[17][18] The first attempt to remove the Upper Montclair station from the National Register of Historic Places came several months after the fire on February 5, 2006.

Due to the fire, most of the station was a total loss minus the porte-cochere and the terra cotta tile lining on the roof.

In October, New Jersey Transit used this as an opportunity to request the declassification, but withdrew the offer to consult with local officials and other interested parties.

In February 2007, two offers were laid on the table: to either demolish the site and re-develop it completely, or to rebuild the station using former Erie Railroad-styles wherever possible, such as the saved sections.

The Montclair Historical Preservation Commission determined it would agree with the decision by February, but have it designated as a township landmark.

A signed letter was drafted in September 2012 that they agreed with the decision of the Commission and that the depot was not rebuilt to the standards as requested.

A councilman in the neighborhood, Bill Hurlock, protested to the paper that the businesses in the area around the station value and advertise about the structure.