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(rshsdepot) Colleyville, TX
Links:
http://216.110.53.17/navigate/depot.jpg (Grapevine depot)
http://www.localnewsonly.com/COLLEYVILLE/BransfordDed/House.jpg (Webb
House)
http://216.110.53.17/ (Tarantula Steam Train)
http://www.stockyardsstation.com/ (Stockyards Station)
City focusing effort on rail line depot
Historic Webb House proposed as stopping point, tourist draw
04/13/2002
By DEBRA DENNIS / The Dallas Morning News
Colleyville's most noted historic home is getting a face-lift, courtesy of a
$349,000 contract approved by the council. But that may not be the only
change in store.
The city is lobbying the North Central Texas Council of Governments to make
Webb House a stop on a commuter rail line that would run through the city.
"Colleyville is making some major strides in our transportation. Commuter
rail will be advancing, and we need to protect our city from the
disadvantages of commuter rail and make it work for us," Colleyville Mayor
Donna Arp said.
A stop would mean tourist dollars for the city that is undergoing a building
boom, she said.
"It would be good if there's one for a park-and-ride. If they are going to
do commuter rail, it would slow the train down as it comes through
Colleyville. We want it to go slower as it comes through, and of course it
would bring tourist dollars," Ms. Arp said.
City Manager Bill Lindley said requests have been sent to the North Central
Texas Council of Governments for a feasibility study for a park-and-ride
center..
"It's a better product if it becomes a tourist destination," Mr. Lindley
said.
Webb House is one of the sites being considered for a stop, city officials
said.
Michael Morris, director of transportation for the council of governments,
said there is a proposal from several Tarrant County cities to bring rail
service from downtown Fort Worth to the airport.
"There will be public meetings on the best way to interface the downtown
station and the D/FW portion. We need to connect with the other cities
including Colleyville and Grapevine and North Richland Hills. This is
regular transit - a commuter effort that will assist those on their way to
work or on their way to the airport," he said.
Webb House is next to the tracks owned by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The
tracks are being used by the Tarantula steam excursion train that runs from
the Fort Worth Stockyards to the Cotton Belt Depot in Grapevine.
Colleyville resident Ed Havran said he would like to see a park-and-ride
center at Webb House equipped with a tourist center and concession stands to
attract visitors.
"It would add to the community. It's a great idea. Many times people are
late to catch the train. Colleyville needs to become a stop on the train,"
Mr. Havran said.
Webb House in Bransford Park is home of former Cotton Belt railroad section
foreman John Webb. The now-boarded-up house was built in 1914 and replaced a
home that had been destroyed by fire.
The commuter rail line is "coming through the city and Webb House is the
only facility that is in its original site. It is the only existing facility
that sits on the same site its always sat," Mr. Havran said.
Webb House, the only historical building owned by the city, would have a
dual purpose, city officials said.
A train stop would add to Webb House's usefulness as the city makes plans
for renovation, officials said. Webb House renovation has taken years and
has taken on additional costs as the project expanded.
Last year, the city made Webb House one of its priorities and allocated
about $295,000 through various sources for restoration. But that left a
shortfall after consulting fees were factored in, according to park and
recreation department cost estimates.
Costs for renovating the building have jumped from the original estimates of
$250,000. The Park Land Dedication Committee, which has been trying to
restore the house for 16 years, has given more than $98,000 to the project.
Webb House's restoration will include air conditioning and heating, an
additional bathroom and parking.
Deputy City Manager Dianne McWethy said the city is considering making the
house available for community events and meetings and staffing it with
volunteers to help maintain the building.
=================================
The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org
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