(rshsdepot) LaPorte, IN

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Photo link:
http://www.heraldargus.com/class/getdata.php?id=5

Local appraiser say depot not worth much

By DANIEL PRZYBYLA - Staff writer

A local appraiser says if the city doesn't plan to renovate the
deteriorating structures that make up the former Conrail depot, he
recommends demolishing them.

The depot's passenger station and baggage building, along with 3.4 acres of
surrounding land, were appraised Feb. 13 at $83,500.

A report from Alan Landing of Heritage Appraisal Service was given to the
LaPorte Board of Public Works and Safety last week.

In it Landing wrote, "the buildings now on the site are also in poor
condition and I believe were it not the city contemplating the purchase and
renovation of these improvements, they would need to be demolished."

He continued, "The subject property due to its external surroundings, shape
and current improvements leaves a remnant that has little economic utility
or value."

Despite Landing's observations, LaPorte Mayor Kathy Chroback said previous
informal assessments of buildings indicate they are structurally sound. City
officials said buildings would require new windows, tuck-pointing and major
work to the clay tile roofs.

"It's in great shape as far as the bricks and foundation," she said.

Four companies are vying for the work to oversee the restoration design. All
four said the buildings weren't beyond the point of renovation.

Following eight years of property wrangling, in November the city secured a
20-year lease agreement with Norfolk Southern Railroad to rent the depot's
two structures: the 1910 passenger station and the baggage house.

That move allowed the city to utilize an $819,000 Indiana Department of
Transportation grant to fund restoration. The city's match of 20 percent -
$163,800 - has been sitting in coffers.

The city was to decide this week among four companies to oversee the
restoration work.

The mayor plans to house the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce and Greater
LaPorte Economic Development Corporation in the depot.

After the lease ends in 20 years, city officials hope for outright ownership
of the depot.

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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #320
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org