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(rshsdepot) Dodge City, KS
From the Dodge City Globe via RyPN Flimsies=2E=2E=2E
Area resident gets first glimpse of Dodge City Santa Fe Depot renovations=20=
Are you tired of construction work around the old train depot? Do you
wonder why it takes so long? I did until Tuesday when I was with a group
touring inside the very long building=2E
What a surprise to enter the dreary old Amtrak waiting room and find it is=
now a large, bright air conditioned room with clear, insulated windows,
refinished woodwork and clean tile flooring=2E It will be a most inviting
place to wait for a midnight train or for a daytime meeting=2E
As our tour guide led us into other equally appealing rooms, he explained
the history of each area, telling us what was original and what processes
were used to adapt each room to 21st century needs=2E
"Oooh, ahhh and wow" came from every member of our group as we entered the=
newly-built, nearly-completed theater=2E All six tiers of seating, with
acoustically treated walls and ceiling, focus attention on the large state=
=2E
Seating is designed so all diners can watch the play, without having to
turn their chairs around=2E
As theater director Don Steele explained the careful, creative planning of=
the scenery area, the trap doors in the stage and the orchestra pit, we
anticipated future productions equal to those in much larger cities=2E Our=
local actors already provide stellar performances using minimal facilities=
=2E
Most of our tour group opted to view the basement, where stone foundation
walls revealed the solid construction of the original railroad depot,which=
made the renovation project feasible=2E The old boiler room is now filled
with new, computer-controlled heating and air conditioning units=2E
Overhead, and throughout the building, carefully labeled ductwork and
plumbing indicate expert craftsmanship, providing functionality without
destroying the historical value of the building=2E All electrical wiring w=
as
replaced to meet 21st century codes and needs=2E
The care taken to eliminate noise from passing trains or from trucks on
U=2ES=2E Highway 50 was especially impressive=2E Even the duct work and th=
eater
cat walks were hung on special brackets to prevent distracting vibrations=2E=
Everyone will also appreciate the beautiful new restroom facilities=2E And=
an
elevator is already installed but awaiting ADA approval=2E Once the exteri=
or
landscaping and parking areas are finished, handicapped patrons will have
easy access with a ticket desk for wheel chair users=2E
If you have the opportunity, take a tour and see for yourself how much is
involved in the Destination Depot project=2E
Lorena Joyce Herrmann,
Offerle
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web=2Ecom/ =2E
=================================
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 #474
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=================================
The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org