(rshsdepot) Fresno, CA

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

From the California Dept. of Transportation.

Link to article with picture: 
http://www.dot.ca.gov/ctnews/mar05/mar_fresno.htm

Bernie Wagenblast
Transportation Communications Newsletter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

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Caltrans Celebrates Grand Opening
of Restored Fresno Santa Fe Depot

State and local officials recently participated in a grand opening and 
dedication of the newly restored and rehabilitated Fresno Santa Fe Depot, 
which serves Amtrak California San Joaquin passenger trains and Thruway 
Motorcoach service.

The $6 million restoration project included new and enlarged Amtrak 
passenger ticketing and waiting areas, a large ticketing counter, business 
offices, adjacent retail space, increased parking, new landscaping and 
better access for buses, taxis and pedestrians. Some 5,400 square feet will 
be devoted to San Joaquin passenger service. An additional 12,300 square 
feet will be available for office and retail use.

The station now appears as it did in 1899 when it opened as a structure. 
Important architectural details, such as the iconic station clock and clock 
tower, have been restored and returned to their former prominence. The 
clock, fabricated from historical drawings, is a replica of the original.

Additions made in 1917 and 1952 obscured the building's tower and clock, 
porte cochere (coach door) and southwest façade. The additions, along with a 
1985 bridge between the depot and freight office, were removed, which 
exposed parts of the depot not seen in many years.

Developed as the Santa Fe Railway Company's Valley Division headquarters, 
the building went through nine additions and/or renovations between 1908 and 
1985. At this point, the Amtrak Station is its original size and is a twin 
of the Stockton Amtrak station.

The Fresno station is one of only a handful of mission style buildings 
constructed prior to 1900 that are still in existence. Listed on the 
National Register of Historic Places, the rehabilitated Santa Fe Depot is 
the latest addition to Fresno's revitalized downtown.

Major funding for the restoration came from the California Department of 
Transportation. The City of Fresno purchased the building and land from 
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Other fund contributors were 
California Pollution Control Financing Authority and the State of California 
Office of Historic Preservation.

"The Department of Transportation has joined with many cities to construct 
and rehabilitate train stations along the state's intercity routes," said 
Mike Leonardo, District 6 Director. "The rehabilitated Fresno Station 
acknowledges the growth and success of passenger rail travel today, while 
paying tribute to the rich history and importance of railroad activity in 
California."

The firm of Reyman Bros. Construction, Inc., of Sparks, Nevada, was selected 
to undertake the extensive rehabilitation. Johnson Architecture, of Fresno, 
conducted the architectural research to assure authenticity of all work 
performed at the station. 

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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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