(rshsdepot) New Bern, NC

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Train depot project continues on track

Francine Sawyer
Sun Journal Staff

New Bern Aldermen are expected to take another step toward restoration of
the once pigeon-invested Union Station Train Depot at a meeting tonight.

The city is seeking a federal grant for replacing doors and windows,
interior demolition and cleaning and masonry repairs.

The project cost of $83,047 combines $66,438 of federal money and $16,609
from the city's general fund. The city is making the renovations as matching
grants become available.

City officials say restoring the depot at the corner of Queen and Pasteur
streets is a focal point to the Riverstation Neighborhood Plan, crucial to
linking two surrounding historic districts.

"Union Station is a pivotal property in the revitalization of this unique
neighborhood," said Annette Stone, city planner.

Stone said the city would be better able to market the property if the
building looked better, inside and out.

"Recent repairs have abated the pigeons, but the interior of the structure
is in such a condition, it is difficult to show potential tenants the
property," Stone said.

She said restoring doors and windows will open the building up, add to the
curb appeal and increase the chances of finding a tenant for the building.

The city has a 30-year lease with the North Carolina Railroad for the
property. Possible uses include retail or office space, but part of the
building is to be used as a visitor center.

As a condition of the funding, a portion of the space in the visitors area
will house historic artifacts and a depression-era painting that was found
in the building and restored by the Preservation Foundation.

The city looks at the renovation of the station as an investment in its
historical assets, one that would help the tourism industry.

Also tonight, aldermen are expected to change the address of the old Beaman
house at Beaman's Fork, where old U.S. 70 and N.C. 55 intersect.

The proposed change in address of the 1880 farmhouse is for it to be listed
as 1 Beaman's Fork. Supporters of the change said the address was
incorrectly listed years ago and would help 911 communications, which could
list the address as either old U.S. 70 or N.C. 55. It would also give the
house an exclusive address.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. today on the second floor of City Hall.

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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 #918
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org