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(rshsdepot) Southport, CT
A news release from the Connecticut Governor's Office.
Bernie Wagenblast
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Governor Rell reopens Southport train station
Department of Transportation Completes Work to Restore Fire-Damaged Historic
Structure
Governor M. Jodi Rell today formally reopened the recently rebuilt Southport
train station in Fairfield, just one year after it was heavily damaged by
fire. Governor Rell was joined in a ceremony at the station by officials
from the Department of Transportation, Senator John McKinney and local
leaders.
"When fire first ripped through this historic building, state and local
officials - working together - declared it a priority to rebuild and restore
it to its original beauty and character," Governor Rell said. "Now this
magnificently restored facility combines the historic design with modern
conveniences for our commuters."
The Southport station, which dates from the late 1800s, underwent
approximately $3 million in restoration.
The station was closed on January 4, 2008, after the fire. Immediately
afterward, Governor Rell directed the DOT to provide temporary shelter for
commuters and determine the fastest way to replace the structure. The DOT
provided a temporary waiting room and restrooms and train service resumed
the day after the blaze.
"If the state had decided to knock down this building and build a new
station, we would not be standing here today, a year later, cutting a ribbon
to open it to the public," the Governor said. "I thank Senator McKinney,
First Selectman Kenneth Flatto, the DOT and the various historic societies
who help return this structure to its original grandeur."
Senator McKinney said, "It is great to have Governor Rell in Southport to
mark this important occasion. In the days immediately following last year's
fire, it didn't seem likely that this historic train station would ever look
or operate the same. But thanks to the prompt attention of local
firefighters and the efforts of Governor Rell, the DOT and Metro-North, not
only were we able to keep the trains running on time, we have successfully
preserved the character of this historic 19th-century building."
DOT, which owns the train station and leases it to the Town of Fairfield for
daily operations, issued an emergency declaration to expedite the work and
opted to restore the station in a manner consistent with its historic
status, modifying the building as necessary to comply with current building
codes. The Department hired Banton Construction to do the work.
Restoration work included repairs to the building foundation, new interior
and exterior walls matching the historic finishes, window and door trim,
replacement of wainscot on walls, new ADA-compliant access to the foyer,
ADA-compliant rest rooms and baby changing area, lighting, underground
utilities, a new heating and ventilation system, thermally efficient windows
and insulation and a fire alarm system.
"From the start, the Department of Transportation responded in a timely
fashion to address the needs of commuters in the Southport area," said DOT
Commissioner Joseph F. Marie. "Rehabilitation was faster and less expensive
than rebuilding a new rail station, providing a unique opportunity for this
historic structure to be returned to its original stature while providing
modern amenities. Rail stations, just like the rail car fleet and rail
service, are a part of the total rail service improvements the Department
strives to provide to our customers."
The DOT relied on information provided by the Southport Conservancy, the
Sasquanaug Association and the Fairfield Historical Society in its
restoration effort.
"Restoring this facility has preserved the historic integrity of the local
community while providing convenience to rail customers who travel from this
area," Governor Rell said. "Often it's the 'problem' projects that get the
headlines, but from the start this project showcased the ingenuity of the
DOT and its ability to work with the local community to provide the best for
our rail customers."
=================================
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 #1851
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org