(rshsdepot) Redmond, OR

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Link to depot Web page with photos:
http://www.co.deschutes.or.us/CDD/lrplanning/Historic/Redmond/redmonddepot.h
tm

Redmond rail depot could become eatery

Published: February 11, 2002

By Trish Pinkerton

For The Bulletin

A local restaurant owner is interested in moving and renovating Redmond's
historic railroad passenger depot.

JC Puleo, owner of Puleo's Italian Restaurant, has told the city he would
like to acquire the depot and move it to a site south of Wal-Mart along the
railroad tracks. The location would enhance the south entrance to the city
and would complement the fairgrounds and hotels in the area, he said.

"We are going to do this," Puleo said of his plan to use the old Oregon
Trunk depot as a museum and restaurant. He planned to meet with city
officials Tuesday evening to discuss his proposal.

"Everyone wants to preserve the depot," said Betty Borgen, the city manager'
s assistant.

But Friday, the city learned that the building does not belong to the city,
but to Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

Local resident Don Dunn bought the building with the condition that it be
moved, so even though he gifted it to the city, ownership has reverted to
the railroad because it was not moved by a deadline, Borgen said.

"That's not to say something can't be worked out" with Puleo or some other
individual or organization that might want to save the building, she said.

The depot has been vacant for a number of years. The planned re-route of
Highway 97 will make access to the depot difficult, and once construction
begins, moving the building will become more difficult.

The city has appointed a committee to either find a way to use the building
in place or move it.

During a meeting two weeks ago, the Deschutes County Historic Landmarks
Commission indicated its first choice would be to leave the depot in place.
Its second choice would be to move the depot across the railroad tracks or
to some other location along the tracks, said Pat Kliewer, Deschutes County
historic and cultural resources planner.

Puleo said he has received a promise of financing for the project.

"We're not asking for any public (financial) support," he said. He estimated
the project would cost $750,000 to $1 million.

"I think everybody will benefit," he said.

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