From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001d01c1f02b$2e034230$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 05:41:18 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Tamaqua, PA Photo: http://www.tamaquasos.org/images/station-image1.jpg Ghostbusters: Something's strange at Tamaqua depot BY RORY SCHULER Staff Writer rschuler_@_republicanherald.com TAMAQUA - Detecting a hint of cigar smoke, she felt the first sign. Spirits were near. Christine Reynolds stood, framed by the charred entrance of the men's waiting room, in the Tamaqua Train Station Saturday night. And within minutes, the Danville woman knew she was not alone. Reynolds and her crew of investigators with the Central Pennsylvania Paranormal Research Association camped out in the borough to seek ghosts of the Molly Maguires. The team utilizes a myriad of cameras, detectors, recorders and equipment in an attempt to catalog and observe the presence of spirits. But it's the unique "sensitivity" of Reynolds - known for her super-sensitive perception - that is a vital tool in contacting the dead. "She points to where she feels things may have happened," said William T. Mahute, Pottsville, the group's co-director. "We utilize her sensitivity as another piece of equipment, and 80 percent of the time we find something where she points." Mahute arrived around 5 p.m. Saturday in a green full-size van, aptly nicknamed the "Mystery Machine." The one-time Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Station - now under renovation by Tamaqua Save Our Station - has a long, checkered past. The bodies of at least six executed Molly Maguires are believed to have been stored in the station, within three years of its erection in 1874. Kept on ice overnight in a crude wooden casket, a freshly hanged John J. "Black Jack" Kehoe, "The King of the Mollies," waited in the men's waiting room, transported by train from Pottsville on the night of his execution. The next day, Dec. 19, 1878, he was buried in a St. Jerome's Cemetery plot overlooking the station. But his spirit may still linger. The station saw its last passengers in 1961, and served as office space until the late 1970s, when it was vacated. Setting up shop in the station's concourse, a crude plywood table topped with high-tech equipment - including Geiger counters, infra-red thermometers, digital cameras and electromagnetic field detectors - served as a centerpiece for the group's investigation. A lone light bulb on an extension cord, draped over an empty gas pipe, served as the only lighting for the night's activities. The room once served as the station's main entryway. Now walls of chipped plaster, patches of exposed brick, and charred remnants of a 1981 arson blaze create an eerie, almost supernatural ambiance. Dale W. Freudenberger, SOS secretary, provided historical insight for the group of 12 investigators. "This room contained a round leather seat in the middle, surrounded by three upholstered black leather sofas and a fireplace," Freudenberger said while standing in the former ladies' waiting room - the station's waiting rooms were segregated during most of its operation. Glenda K. Wolfe, Danville, patrolled the area with a set of dowsing rods - an ancient technique of tapping into spiritual energy to detect unseen phenomenon. "I've used dowsing rods to detect everything from graves to water," Wolfe said, standing next to a burned out ticket window, golden rods tucked into her apron. Various contractors who have worked on the station have told Kenneth A. Smulligan, SOS president, of strange occurrences. The investigators tend to agree on one theory concerning the presence of dipping temperatures - or cold spots - throughout the building. "Some believe that when you become a spirit, your natural state of being exists in a state of spiritual energy we call an orb'," Mahute said. Around 10 p.m., Reynolds instructed the spirits to speak directly into the microphone, and then offered her next query. "Can you give us a name?" Reynolds asked. When played back, the recording cuts off at the end of Reynolds' question, and after two seconds, a dull electric hum permeates. Run through several filters, a breathy whisper seems to emerge. "Can you ... help me?" the voice seems to ask. The group's photographers successfully captured images of several "orbs" descending from the concourse's second-story vaulted ceiling. And at least one great mystery emerged - Mahute's van had been stolen during the session. "Maybe it was a ghost," Mahute laughed. "The idea crossed most of our minds." ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <013801c1f066$33a275e0$0200000a_@_windows98> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 09:43:48 -0700 From: "Bob Harbison" Subject: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts Looking for websites.... I've added a new category to my railroaddata links directory, resteraunts and lodging. I'm looking for any restaurants, hotels, B&B's and any other businesses that are in railroad structures. Since this is a links directory, I'm only looking for businesses that have a website. I'd like to add them to the directory. There's no cost or obligation, I simply add the site to my search engine listings. If you know of any railroad related restaurants or lodging please let me know off list and I'll add them to my directory. Even if you're not sure if they have a website, but think they might, let me know and I'll use Google to try and find them. I'm also interested in railroad themed restaurants, even if they are not in actual railroad structures. Bob Harbison - Bob_@_RailroadInfo.com http://www.RailroadForums.com - NEW! Free Railroad Discussion Forum http://www.RailroadData.com - Railroad Links Directory and Search Engine http://www.RailroadPix.com - Railroad Photo Gallery http://www.RailroadBookstore.com - Railroad Books at Discount Prices ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3CCEE48C.21338F99_@_swbell.net> References: <013801c1f066$33a275e0$0200000a_@_windows98> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 13:38:04 -0500 From: "Paul R. Metzler" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts The Whittle Shortline Railroad company has taken over the Frisco Hotel (previously used to house crews during layovers) in Valley Park, MO (suburb of St.Louis) on the BNSF mainline. Whittle manufactures a line of wooden trains. Paul Metzler Bob Harbison wrote: > Looking for websites.... > > I've added a new category to my railroaddata links directory, > resteraunts and lodging. I'm looking for any restaurants, hotels, > B&B's and any other businesses that are in railroad structures. > > Since this is a links directory, I'm only looking for businesses that > have a website. I'd like to add them to the directory. There's no > cost or obligation, I simply add the site to my search engine listings. > > If you know of any railroad related restaurants or lodging please > let me know off list and I'll add them to my directory. Even if you're > not sure if they have a website, but think they might, let me know > and I'll use Google to try and find them. > > I'm also interested in railroad themed restaurants, even if they > are not in actual railroad structures. > > Bob Harbison - Bob_@_RailroadInfo.com > > http://www.RailroadForums.com - NEW! Free Railroad Discussion Forum > http://www.RailroadData.com - Railroad Links Directory and Search Engine > http://www.RailroadPix.com - Railroad Photo Gallery > http://www.RailroadBookstore.com - Railroad Books at Discount Prices > > ================================= > The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing > railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 14:37:47 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: RE: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts Here's a website for Ken's Trackside in Dover NJ's NJT (former DL&W) station http://www.ardore.com/morris/morrisrestaurantlistings/restaurant/kenstrackside/morris_kenstrackside_restaurant_listing.ht= m Original Message: - ----------------- From: Bob Harbison BobHarbison_@_msn.com Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 09:43:48 -0700 To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net Subject: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts Looking for websites.... I've added a new category to my railroaddata links directory, resteraunts and lodging. I'm looking for any restaurants, hotels, B&B's and any other businesses that are in railroad structures. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 14:45:05 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: RE: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts The Lambertville Station (very original name) in the (I think, ex-PRR, nee B&D) Lamberville, NJ depot. http://www.lambertvillestation.com/station.html Original Message: - ----------------- From: Bob Harbison BobHarbison_@_msn.com Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 09:43:48 -0700 To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net Subject: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts Looking for websites.... I've added a new category to my railroaddata links directory, resteraunts and lodging. I'm looking for any restaurants, hotels, B&B's and any other businesses that are in railroad structures. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004c01c1f081$a71679c0$e5ed520c_@_hppav> References: <013801c1f066$33a275e0$0200000a_@_windows98> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 15:00:15 -0500 From: "Stephen Foster" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts Last time I was in Wichita KS there was a nice (but pricey) cafe in the baggage room of the old RI depot (right next to the old Union Station). Prudential has/had offices in the front part of the old depot. I remember back in the mid 50's going in to both and begging timetables. Keep your rails shiny! Stephen "If it ain't steam, it's a powered boxcar" All Points North Model RR Club (Houston TX) http://www.allpointsnorthmrrc.org - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Harbison" To: "rshs Depot List" Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 11:43 AM Subject: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts > Looking for websites.... > > I've added a new category to my railroaddata links directory, > resteraunts and lodging. I'm looking for any restaurants, hotels, > B&B's and any other businesses that are in railroad structures. > > Since this is a links directory, I'm only looking for businesses that > have a website. I'd like to add them to the directory. There's no > cost or obligation, I simply add the site to my search engine listings. > > If you know of any railroad related restaurants or lodging please > let me know off list and I'll add them to my directory. Even if you're > not sure if they have a website, but think they might, let me know > and I'll use Google to try and find them. > > I'm also interested in railroad themed restaurants, even if they > are not in actual railroad structures. > > Bob Harbison - Bob_@_RailroadInfo.com > > http://www.RailroadForums.com - NEW! Free Railroad Discussion Forum > http://www.RailroadData.com - Railroad Links Directory and Search Engine > http://www.RailroadPix.com - Railroad Photo Gallery > http://www.RailroadBookstore.com - Railroad Books at Discount Prices > > ================================= > The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing > railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org > > ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <178.794daf0.2a008bdf_@_aol.com> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 20:07:59 EDT From: PifyJtrain_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) I am taking the train to Amherst Should not be a problem suince funds are being allocating to keep it going ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <9b.26c91f8d.2a008ced_@_aol.com> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 20:12:29 EDT From: PifyJtrain_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Train Station Resteraunts OPickciling station Valhalla NY current rr Meytor North Ex Conrail ex PC ex NYC nee Ny and Harlem ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004401c1f0a9$1030d6e0$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 20:42:25 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Rensselaer, NY Walkway, fiber lines going in at new rail station By ROBIN K. COOPER Gazette Reporter - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---- RENSSELAER - Verizon Communications Inc. is installing 1.4 miles of new fiber-optic voice and data lines to help increase capacity and provide faster Internet access at the new $53.1 million Rensselaer train station slated to open in June, officials announced Monday. Meanwhile, construction workers are placing the finishing touches on the new rail station. Today, workers are planning to install five 42-ton beams as part of the new overhead walkway that will connect the train station to the passenger boarding platforms. A crane will be used to set in place the five 50-foot walkway sections between 8 a.m. and noon. Carm Basile, spokesman for the Capital District Transportation Authority, which is overseeing the new train station project, said the new fiber-optic lines will provide state-of-the-art communications at the new Rensselaer station. The $100,000 fiber-optic line project, which should be complete when the station opens, also could help attract new customers around the new station, according to Verizon spokesman Cliff Lee. The CDTA has said the station will be equipped with conference rooms and a business center that will include high-speed Internet access for laptop users. Amtrak's local general manager, Phillip Larson, said the passenger-train company plans to continue using the same internal communications practices that are currently used in the existing Rensselaer station. But the new fiber lines will help Amtrak when it makes the move from the old to the new facility in June. Larson said the new station is close to complete, but there still are a lot of logistical details to be worked out, including the relocation of furniture, computer hardware and staff. On Monday, Verizon also announced that it is planning to install about two miles of fiber-optic lines in Delmar to accommodate residential growth. That project, which should be complete by late summer or early fall, will cost about $190,000, Lee said. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004d01c1f0b5$986cd2a0$577ef2d0_@_lner4472> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 22:12:05 -0400 From: "Alexander D. Mitchell IV" Subject: (rshsdepot) Any report on preserved La Plata, Md. PRR depot after tornado? The diminutive PRR depot in La Plata, Md., recently moved across the tracks (PRR Popes Creek branch) and restored in preparation for reuse by a local historical group, is mere yards away from the heart of town--a town devastated by Maryland's most powerful recorded tornado. The tornado apparently swept through the center of town. To date, I have been unable to ascertain whether the depot survived the destruction. Has anyone managed to get hard information on the depot and whether it survived? Alexander D. Mitchell IV ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000901c1f0c4$91ffc800$fe805043_@_JimDent> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 23:59:19 -0400 From: Jim Dent Subject: (rshsdepot) Texas Depots I recently bought a book and just had a few minutes now to glance at it. The book is "Sante Fe in the Lone Star State - Volume 1 - 1949-1969" by Steven Allen Goen. The 144 page book is a self-described color pictorial. Many of the pictures are action shots on the lines and include depots as part of the overall scene. As a bonus a 20 page section in the back of the book depicts nearly 60 Sante Fe Texas depots, in sharp, well lit, color. I would recommend this book to Texas depot fans ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #361 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00ab01c1f0f6$4a89a400$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Wed, 01 May 2002 05:55:14 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Shelton, NE USDA assists Howard County with restoration of depot museumLast modified at 11:32 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2002 By Gretchen Fowler gfowler_@_theindependent.com ST. PAUL -- The Howard County Historical Society has received $53,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Loan funds to help pay for the renovation of St. Paul's Transportation Depot Museum. Society President Marion Bahensky said the money was secured earlier this month. She said the total cost of the project is approximately $308,000. The historical society has contributed $130,000, in addition to the $53,000 in USDA funds and a $124,868 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant. "The renovated depot will be used to preserve the history and cultural artifacts of the community," USDA Rural Development Manager Lennis Hodgson said. "The museum will serve as the main visitor complex of the historic village and will be open on a year-round basis." The Transportation Depot Museum, formerly the Shelton railroad depot, will be a main part of the historical village in St. Paul. Once the restoration is completed and exhibits are installed, the Howard County Historical Society will begin to generate income from admissions. Work began to renovate the interior of the depot early in January and is scheduled to be completed by June 28. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00b101c1f0f7$06119b10$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Wed, 01 May 2002 06:00:29 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) St. Johns, MI Links: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/newsimages/2002/x1578810_2.jpg http://user.mc.net/~louisvw/depot/st-johns/st-johns.htm (depot page with photos) St. Johns depot could become town center Restored building in St. Johns will be dedicated Saturday By Sally Trout Lansing State Journal ST. JOHNS - The Grand Truck Railroad Depot, a key part of city history, could soon play a lead role in the city's future. The depot, built in 1920 for $100,000 at Clinton Avenue and Railroad Street, could become an activity center for most downtown events - from the pumpkin festival to the Christmas tree lighting. "This is the only large green space remaining in the downtown, and the city felt it important that this piece of history and the land surrounding it be preserved," said Bill Schafer, city recreation director and a project coordinator. Residents haven't heard the clickety clack of a passenger train or its whistle since 1959. The last freight train passed in 1992. Residents and city leaders will celebrate the completion of the building restoration project at an open house Saturday. Railroad memorabilia will be displayed, and a dedication service is set for noon. St. Johns bought the building from the Michigan Central Railway for $85,000 in 1998. A year later the city got $325,000 to restore the historic building through a Michigan Art, Cultural and Quality of Life grant. The interior has been restored even down to matching the original wall colors and refurbishing tile and wood floors. Now there are public restrooms, the building is accessible for people with disabilities and planning will begin soon on development of the lawn. Tentative plans call for most of the building to be rented to a local nonprofit organization. A tenant hasn't been identified yet. "Everything is tentative right now, but the committee wants to have the building occupied within a month or two," Schafer said. "We don't want the building empty." Railroad tracks are gone and the neighboring grain elevator closed, but there are hopes for new beginnings. There are lots of dreams that could become reality there, said Ben Munger, chairman of the depot advisory committee. "We are hoping those attending the open house will bring their ideas to the table and have a part in shaping the depot's future," he said. Munger supports a master plan to help guide the area's rebirth. Some suggestions include a veterans' memorial within a roundabout at the Clinton-Railroad intersection, an open lawn area for activities and a shelter area suitable for a farmer's market. There also is talk of a rails-to-trails project that would pass through St. Johns between Ionia and Owosso. "I have always advocated we look at the depot from a larger perspective," Munger said. Contact Sally Trout at 377-1040 or strout_@_lsj.com. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <413CACCE0349D3118C300004AC38683402E0815D_@_msg1.utoledo.edu> Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 07:14:28 -0400 From: MCamp_@_utnet.utoledo.edu Subject: RE: (rshsdepot) Texas Depots Obviously I need to add this to the Library list on the website. Mark > ---------- > From: Jim Dent > Reply To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net > Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 11:59 PM > To: RSHS List > Subject: (rshsdepot) Texas Depots > > I recently bought a book and just had a few minutes now to glance at > it. The > book is "Sante Fe in the Lone Star State - Volume 1 - 1949-1969" by > Steven > Allen Goen. > > The 144 page book is a self-described color pictorial. Many of the > pictures > are action shots on the lines and include depots as part of the > overall > scene. As a bonus a 20 page section in the back of the book depicts > nearly > 60 Sante Fe Texas depots, in sharp, well lit, color. > > I would recommend this book to Texas depot fans > > > ================================= > The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of > existing > railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org > ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 14:17:31 -0400 From: "Kenyon Karl" Subject: (rshsdepot) Manchester VT - Train station project clears Select Board hurdle Train station project clears Select Board hurdle MANCHESTER — The Select Board voted 4-1 Tuesday to adopt a zoning bylaw amendment that clears the way for Ben Hauben to seek a permit for a 25,000-square-foot train station. May. 1, 2002 http://rutlandherald.nybor.com/News/SouthernVermont/Story/46116.html ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 14:29:01 EDT From: I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Manchester VT - Train station project clears Select Board hur... Here's a link to a photo of the old Manchester depot: http://www.ultranet.com/~jimdu4/manchester_depot.htm ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 18:55:45 -0400 From: "Kenyon Karl" Subject: (rshsdepot) FW: New E-mail Address for Trainriders - -----Original Message----- From: Wayne E. Davis [mailto:wedavis_@_trainridersne.org] Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2002 5:41 PM Subject: New E-mail Address for Trainriders To all. Cybertours was recently acquired by Earthlink. This was going to force us to change all of our stationery, as well as our Web site address and e-mail address. We decided to bite the bullet and have registered our own Web site address, complete with our own e-mail. Please update your browser to visit the Trainriders Northeast Web site at: http://www.TrainRidersNE.org Our new e-mail address is: wedavis_@_TrainRidersNE.org Please update your e-mail address books and begin using the new address immediately. Thank you. Wayne Davis Chairman Trainriders Northeast ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #362 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004001c1f1bb$3c0eb620$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 02 May 2002 05:25:00 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Lansdowne, MD Link: http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/805/images/news/ACF2B7.jpg (architect's rendering) Railroad is theme for streetscape Lansdowne residents support 'rail stop' motif Lansdowne project embraces train theme 05/01/02 By Marcia Ames - Arbutus Times Lansdowne residents gave Baltimore County the go-ahead last week for transforming their downtown into a tourist destination, using a railroad theme for a draw.In a meeting hosted April 25 by First District Councilman Sam Moxley's office, residents voiced their support for a streetscape concept plan that would upgrade the infrastructure as well as aesthetics of Hammonds Ferry Road, between Hollins Ferry and Lansdowne roads.In addition to new benches, trash receptacles, lighting, brick-covered concrete pavers and landscaping along that corridor, aesthetic improvements would include a faux roof and elevated decking for Jake Miller's five antique railroad cars.Total cost of the project has not yet been determined."The idea is to make it look like a rail stop," said Bob Capalongo of Whitney, Bailey, Cox and Magnani, the engineering firm serving as design consultants for the concept phase.Capalongo said the cars would be clustered in a row, with benches and plantings at either end. Each car would have a commercial use for attracting tourist as well as local traffic.A railroad-theme welcome sign is proposed for the east side of the corridor, just north of Hollins Ferry Road. The existing welcome sign across the street would carry a "leaving Lansdowne" message.To support pedestrian traffic and improve safety, the concept plan also proposes improvements to the existing sidewalk running from Lansdowne Road to Fifth Avenue, and a sidewalk addition from Fifth Avenue to Hollins Ferry Road, on the east side of Hammonds Ferry Road.Addressing roadway traffic concerns, the plan also calls for widening Hammonds Ferry Road between Clyde and Fifth avenues, to allow new traffic medians and parallel parking.A number of people voiced concern about drainage and flooding in the area, which streetscape projects do not address. Bryan Sheppard, Moxley's senior legislative aide, said the councilman was working with officials from the Department of Public Works and the Office of Community Conservation to address those issues.Bristling at suggestions that he would be favored by the streetscape project, Miller, who is president of the Lansdowne Improvement Association and a member of the streetscape advisory committee, noted that he would fund any improvements to his property.Anyone else having property along the streetscape corridor and wishing to make improvements would also pay an as-yet-to-be-determined price, he added.Said Miller, "If we don't have the full cooperation of everyone in Lansdowne, Lansdowne won't get improved."He contended that his critics should take more interest in LIA activities, to support the community and know what's going on."I've lived here all my life," commented Edna May Merson, who retired in 1986 as principal of Lansdowne Elementary School. "I think it's wonderful that the county is fixing up Lansdowne - it's long overdue."Moxley and Ray Heil, streetscape program manager for the public works department, stressed that the concept plan is only a beginning, with a number of phases to follow.The concept planning phase began in October of last year, with a meeting between the community and representatives of the county agencies involved - public works, traffic engineering, economic development, planning, and community conservation. Hosted by Moxley's office, that meeting gave local residents an opportunity to suggest needed improvements and, if interested, to volunteer for the advisory committee.After meeting periodically with agency reps and the design consultants for about three months, to hammer out a concept, on March 7 the advisory committee voted to support the resulting plan.Last Thursday's meeting gave the general public an opportunity to scrutinize it, and to go on record with any comments or questions.According to Sheppard, if the county's fiscal year 2003 budget includes adequate funding for Lansdowne streetscape, the project would move next into a full engineering and design phase to produce a final plan. As before, the public would be given an opportunity for final approval. The construction phase would begin next, requiring additional funding.The fiscal 2002 budget included $10,000 to support the concept plan phase. Sheppard anticipates that the streetscape plan would need to be incorporated into the county's budget for at least another three years.Contact Marcia Ames via e-mail at mames_@_patuxent.com. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004601c1f1bc$77b12bd0$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 02 May 2002 05:33:50 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Avella, PA Photo links: http://208.140.31.210/temporaryimages/bp35916.jpg (this link may expire soon) http://www.thayerhouse.com/Doug/avella.html (watercolor of station) http://communities.msn.com/AvellaPa15312AnHistoricalTown/oldphotos.msnw?acti on=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=140 (historic photo) http://communities.msn.com/AvellaPa15312AnHistoricalTown/oldphotos.msnw?acti on=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=138 (circa 1910) http://communities.msn.com/AvellaPa15312AnHistoricalTown/oldphotos.msnw?acti on=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=139 Grant puts plan for A.D. White library and museum on right track BY KIM LYONS - THE OBSERVER-REPORTER klyons_@_observer-reporter.com AVELLA - Among the projects approved last week for federal transportation grant money is a small, boarded-up former railroad station in Avella. It may not look like much now, but the A.D. White Research Society wants to turn the building into a library and museum that will house its namesake's collection, a treasure trove of genealogical and historical information. "He kept everything," said June Welch, who is part of the research group and knew Alvin Dinsmore White personally. White, a Washington County teacher and historian, collected obituaries, old newspapers, information on cemetery inscriptions and family files, among other historical documents. "He had genealogical information on hundreds of families in the area," Welch said. He also had written several books on the history of the area, Welch added. After White died in 1994, a few months shy of his 100th birthday, some of his friends formed the research society. "The goal is to preserve the vast amount of information he collected," Welch explained. The railroad building is to receive $150,000 for the renovations from the federal highway bill. It's part of $45.4 million in state transportation projects approved last week. The center is now in Burgettstown, and Welch said the group has been looking to move to better quarters. It purchased the railroad building a few years ago, with the intent of relocating the archives there. The museum-library will house White's collection, which includes documents from Washington, Beaver and Allegheny counties, as well as eastern Ohio and communities in the West Virginia panhandle. Within White's documents are copies of census returns from these areas from 1800 to 1900, as well as county histories, maps, and records of the various ethnic groups that settled in the area. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Thu, 2 May 2002 13:58:09 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) East Broad Top Not depot news, but important preservation news... If you are interested in this issue I would strongly recommend reading the views exchanged on this issue on the Railway Preservation News Interchange at: http://www.rypn.org/ $2.5 Million East Broad Top First Phase Acquisition and Rehabilitation Project Withdrawn Negotiations have collapsed between East Broad Top Railroad owner Joseph Kovalchick and Allegheny Ridge Corporation (ARC), a State Heritage Park acting on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the endorsement of national historic preservation organizations and elected officials at local, state, and national levels. Acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, ARC had offered to buy an option to purchase the EBT. Concluding such an agreement would have cleared the way for an immediate investment of $1,000,000 in public funds for rehabilitation of the railroad's current operation. Mr. Kovalchick rejected the terms offered by ARC, and did not make a counteroffer. As a result, Allegheny Ridge Corporation has withdrawn its application to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for $1,000,000 from the 2002 TEA-21 Transportation Enhancements Program, and also withdrawn its application for the previously approved $1,000,000 in 1999 funds. Including funds arranged to fulfill a required 20 percent local match, the now-cancelled first phase EBT Acquisition and Rehabilitation Project would have totaled $2,500,000. In a Finding of Fact used by leaders of the initiative to make their decision to end negotiations and withdraw the funding application, backers identified two central obstacles: (1) representations made by the owner in his 1998 application for the TEA-21 enhancement funds were not fulfilled and (2) the owner refused to enter into contractual arrangements essential to assure the public interest. The finding of fact, authorized by ARC through its negotiator for public release, reads as follows: East Broad Top Railroad National Historic Landmark owner Joe Kovalchick has refused to consider an option agreement for sale of the railroad. The agreement would have evidenced to state officials an initial step and good faith effort to preserve with public financial assistance this endangered historic landmark. Kovalchick previously rejected without counterproposal a purchase offer for the railroad, stating that he was confident that more cash could be received through liquidation of the railroad's assets. The purchase offer included the guarantee of an additional $1,000,000 investment of private funds to improve safety and for initial rehabilitation of the existing tourist railroad operation. In 1998 Kovalchick applied for and PennDOT approved $1,000,000 of Transportation Enhancement Program funds for restoration of the East Broad Railroad Rockhill shops complex. The award was based upon a statement in Kovalchick's application, and other representations, that 'The owner of the railroad proposes the donation of the shop complex to a newly created nonprofit organization.' None of these proposals or representations were fulfilled by Kovalchick. In February 1999 letters to various groups seeking their support for the state grant, Kovalchick wrote that 'Without support of this effort, it is almost a sure bet that EBT will wither and disappear' and 'We all know that without some source of public funding it is impossible to accomplish this living museum theme.' The Allegheny Ridge Corporation, a state Heritage Park and the designated recipient of PennDOT's 1999 enhancement grant, attempted for several years to proceed with the approved shops restoration project. However, Kovalchick would not enter into a reasonable public access agreement for the buildings to be repaired with state money, a common and necessary arrangement to protect the public's investment. Subsequently, in an effort to achieve public ownership and rehabilitation of the railroad, Allegheny Ridge submitted in October of 2001 an application for an additional $1,000,000 from PennDOT's 2002 Transportation Enhancement Program to include the previously approved grant of $1,000,000. A required 20 percent match of local funds would have provided for a first phase, $2,500,000 East Broad Top acquisition and rehabilitation project. The application was endorsed by representatives of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Railroaders Memorial Museum and by Joe Kovalchick. In a November 9, 2001 response to that application, PennDOT stated that 'we remain fast in our interest in the project' and agreed to combine the unused $1,000,000 Kovalchick grant with the 2002 Allegheny Ridge application if enhancement funds were subsequently approved by the State Transportation Commission. Unfortunately, given Kovalchick's continuing refusal to deal in good faith with public entities, the Allegheny Ridge Corporation has withdrawn its enhancements grant application to clear the way for other worthwhile and achievable historic preservation projects in the Southern Alleghenies planning area. Universally acclaimed as one of the most authentic and significant industrial heritage sites in the United States, the 32= - -mile, 3-foot gauge East Broad Top Railroad is listed as a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In 1985, deferred investment in maintenance and preservation of the property caused the National Park Service to officially declare the EBT to be endangered. When the toll taken by deferred maintenance accelerated in the 1990s, the EBT was placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's List of Most Endangered Historic Places in 1996. (Philip Padgett) - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <011a01c1f217$cd4279e0$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 02 May 2002 16:27:37 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) St. Joseph, MI Link: http://user.mc.net/~louisvw/depot/st-joe/st-joe.htm (depot info & photos) Jennings gets preliminary OK to buy Depot By MIKE RUPERT / H-P Staff Writer The Herald-Palladium KALAMAZOO - A U.S. District Court judge gave initial approval Tuesday to an estimated $145,000 agreement to sell the assets of bankrupt Roxy's Depot Diner to St. Joseph businessman Tom Jennings. Jennings, owner of Czars 505 club and co-owner of the Pump House Grill, would pay $40,000 in cash and assume an estimated $32,000 in debt as part of the deal approved by Judge Jeffrey Hughes in a federal bankruptcy court in Kalamazoo. Jennings and 505 Group LLC, which he co-owns with his brother-in-law Raymond Mays, were owed an estimated $73,000 in loans and management fees by Roxy's Inc. under a court-approved management contract with the company last summer. Under the agreement, Jennings will withdraw those claims against Roxy's Inc. "Frankly, we didn't want to lose all that money," Jennings told The Herald-Palladium on Tuesday. "And we didn't want to leave the city holding the bag since they've been so kind in working with us on this project."We really didn't want to just abandon the project without it being completed." Roxy's Inc. opened the Depot Diner in the city-owned train depot in June 1998. Roxy's Inc., owned by Kevin Clements, also operated Roxy's on the Plaza on Michigan 139 in Benton Township. Both restaurants closed last fall. Roxy's Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2001, and its assets were turned over to U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Roxy's lease with the city for the diner space runs until June 2003. Roxy's owes the city an estimated $10,000 in rent and utility payments, according to figures in the agreement.Approval of the agreement cannot be finalized until the Depot's liquor license is transferred to Jennings and a new lease is completed with the city of St. Joseph, according to the agreement. Jennings said the license transfer could take as long as three months. City Attorney Mark Bowman said the City Commission is expected to vote on a new lease early next month.Jennings said he expects to open the restaurant sometime in June, either under his ownership or under bankruptcy supervision until the agreement is final. "The plan, I think, will be to run it through this season and evaluate it and see if someone's really interested after we see some results," Jennings said. "Hopefully people will patronize it and appreciate if we can improve it this year."Chris Barnett, co-owner of Clementine's Too and Barney's Boathouse, had considered making an offer for the business, but decided not to late last week, said Barnett spokesman Pete Jorgensen. "We are absolutely interested in purchasing the property and fully intend to negotiate something satisfactory in the future," Jorgensen said Tuesday. "But we're not going to get caught up in legal manipulation and the chaos of bankruptcy court."Jorgensen said the amount of money owed by Roxy's Inc. to Jennings and the 505 Group gave them a significant advantage in buying the business. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #363 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3CD28B69.FF5C1685_@_nac.net> Date: Fri, 03 May 2002 09:06:47 -0400 From: Dave Rutan Subject: (rshsdepot) Sparta, NJ Station Message: 1 Date: Thu, 2 May 2002 00:04:17 -0400 From: "Charles Smith" Subject: RE: Sparta Station Workday Hello again, I spoke with Peter Garachi from the Star Ledger today. He's going to be at the station with a photographer on Saturday at 10 AM to gather info and pictures. It would be good if we could be assembled by 9:45am. I also urge anyone who's been curious about the station project to stop by. The more people he can talk with, the better. If someone can bring the VRA, Sussex RR Club and Tri State signs, please do - they'll look great in a group photo. Moreover, they'll be representative of the great group effort this project has been and continues to be. On the list of things to do on Saturday are: - - clearing the underbrush to the street (weather permitting) - - getting the desk out of the attic If you have a long ladder and rope, please bring it. It will make getting the desk much easier. Anyone with loppers or hedge clippers, please bring them. Jeff and Mary Hookway sent me a notice that the bees in the east end of the station have unfortunately returned. I'll see if I can treat the area again and reduce their presence but anyone allergic should be forwarned. Jeff & Mary, thank you as always! I'll be at the Tri State board meeting tomorrow night and will have limited email access all week. If you have any questions, give me a call at work 973-514-5756. Hope to see you on Saturday, Charles ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Fri, 3 May 2002 14:11:01 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) Quakertown, PA From the Philadelphia Intelligencer... Grant will help spruce up train station Plans call for the $100,000 to help repair the outside of the freight building. BY BRIAN CALLAWAY Staff Writer QUAKERTOWN =97Another $100,000 has been awarded for the renovation of the Quakertown Train Station. The federal grant will be used to repair the exterior of the freight building, while previously secured funding will be used this year to remodel the train station proper, located at the intersection of Broad and Front streets. "We've been working on this for a long time," said Richard Mindler, president of the Quakertown Train Station Historical Society, "so it's great to see this all coming in." The $100,000 will go toward cleaning the outside walls and replacing the roof on the 2,500-square-foot freight station. Mindler said the group is also preparing to go out to bid on train station projects to be paid for with a $600,000 grant received in 2000. Those projects include roof repairs and the installation of new sidewalks and windows. When completed, plans call for the 100-year-old station to have several historical displays, a community meeting area and other attractions. The funding for both grants comes from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, administered by the Federal Transit Administration. The new grant was good news for more than just the historical society. "We're really excited that they got it," said Pam Coleman, manager of the downtown economic initiative Quakertown Alive!, which has worked with the society to secure other funding. "The train station is a vital piece of our revitalization =97it's spreading revitalization around it. "It's a good expenditure of federal funds." Passenger service to the station stopped in 1983. It was then used for community functions for several years, but a 1989 fire gutted the building and left it largely unusable. Since 1990, the Quakertown Train Station Historical Society has held fund-raisers and lobbied for grants to get the station back in tiptop condition, a state Mindler said was finally within reach. "We were hoping to have everything ready this year for the centennial," he said. Instead, the work should be done this fall in time for the borough's annual Autumn Alive! festival. "But as long as it will be done at some point =97great, bring it on." - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #364 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001b01c1f37d$5a68be40$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Sat, 04 May 2002 11:07:05 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Brownwood, TX Links: http://www.brownwoodchamber.org/images/pics/depot.jpg http://www.brownwoodchamber.org/Depot/depot.htm (watch changing pictures in center) http://atsf.railfan.net/depots/brownwood.html (photos from 1974 & 1976) http://www.ci.brownwood.tx.us/history/depottoday.htm (slideshow) http://www.ci.brownwood.tx.us/boards/bcifi/bcifi.htm (information & historic photo) Reception honors restorers of Old Santa Fe Depot By Candace Cooksey Fulton Brownwood Bulletin Remember that old riddle? "Railroad crossing, look out for cars, can you spell that without any R's?" Of course, as everybody knows, "t-h-a-t" doesn't have an R. Thursday, the Brownwood Civic Improvement Foundation Board tried to spell "thanks" without any R's. And might very nearly have succeeded. A reception at the Brownwood Civic and Cultural Center - a.k.a. Old Santa Fe Depot - honored the individuals and businesses "whose support and extraordinary efforts made the restoration of the Old Santa Fe Depot a reality." Community members strolled through the restored depot, seemingly designed for parties such as Thursday's celebration. On the red-brick walls hung the works of art of Brown County students participating in the third annual Stars of Texas Art Show. And after a few minutes of mingling and visiting, BCIF board members set up for a brief program. "We come together today to recognize the efforts and roles that many have played in the restoration and renovation of the Depot Civic and Cultural Center," said Greg Dodds, president of the BCIF board. Next on the agenda is the restoration of the Harvey House and beyond that is the Santa Fe Depot Plaza, the Great State of Texas Transportation Complex and the Lehnis Railroad Museum. The history of the building is a rich one. Built in 1909, the depot and the restaurant building next to it, the Harvey House (built in 1914), are considered classic examples of prairie style architecture. In the pre-automobile hey-day, both the buildings were a hub of activity in the downtown district of Brownwood. But, Dodds said, in the brief history of the buildings, as automobile travel improved, traffic at the depot declined. In the late 1970s Santa Fe ceased its depot stops in Brownwood and the old depot shut its doors. By the early 1990s, Dodds said, the depot building and the two surrounding blocks had become a blighted downtown area. "The pendulum had swung the other way," Dodds said, "from serving as one of Brownwood's greatest assets to one of its largest liabilities." The restoration and revitalization of the area began with the founding of the non-profit BCIF, which met for the first time Jan. 22, 1991 - and chose the depot as its first project. The depot project was completed in 1998. In 1999, the Chamber of Commerce moved into its current quarters in the basement of the Harvey House and, as negotiated with the BCIF board, manages the depot. Thursday was a thank you to the many who contributed and were dedicated to the restoration of the depot - a time to pause and reflect, but also a time to look ahead, Dodds said. Major contributors were given a limited edition commemorative print of the restored depot. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002101c1f380$f14551e0$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Sat, 04 May 2002 11:32:47 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) New Orleans, LA Photo links: http://www.byrnes.org/railfan/amtrak/image_51.jpg (current station) http://nutrias.org/~nopl/exhibits/ccmem/union.jpg (station replaced by current station) N.O. Terminal To Become Transportation Central Facility To Host RTA, Traffic Signal System NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans' Union Passenger Terminal is being revamped into a transportation center for the city. Until now, freight lines shared the building with passenger traffic, but on Friday, the freight leases were canceled. In one of his last official actions as mayor, Marc Morial, along with Amtrak officials, terminated the 50-year freight agreement, giving the city total control of the station. After some upgrades, it will become the nerve center for operations of the Regional Transit Authority and the city's automated traffic signal system. It also may eventually serve as a remote airport terminal. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 13:35:17 -0400 (EDT) From: Blue Moon Network Administrator Subject: (rshsdepot) Lousville, KY Union Station Derby Train Station Banner Photo at: http://courier-journal.com/localnews/2002/05/04/in050402s1p89863.jpg By Butch John bjohn_@_courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal The Derby Special has been absent from Union Station for more than 25 years, it is to be revived this morning. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HAYMAN In the early 1900s, dozens of steam engines, pulling hundreds of clattering cars filled with passengers, muscled their way to the Kentucky Derby festivities -- as much a part of the event as a mint julep. The trains weren't all as opulent as the Texas Derby Special, which had a one-of-a-kind shower, pipe organ and other amenities demanded by Texas cattle and oil barons. But they all shared the same atmosphere. ''It was a rolling party that started when they left wherever they were, continued until they arrived and continued on their return home,'' said Charles Castner, former publicist for the L&N Railroad, who watched many such scenes. About 7:40 a.m. today, more than 25 years after Amtrak's Floridian last spilled its Derby Day passengers onto Union Station's platform in Louisville, the Derby Special will return to Union Station. ''Passenger trains were the vital connection that helped bring thousands of racing fans to enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports . . . which is being revived this year,'' Mayor Dave Armstrong said. The comeback is modest. It's actually the Kentucky Cardinal jazzed up with a little Derby flavor, making its regular run into Louisville. The fares are the same as usual -- but today they include a mint julep in a souvenir glass. Amtrak sold 49 seats for the Derby train; the run's average is 36. It added a lounge car and depended on sponsors for banners, the souvenir glasses and other Derby touches to set this run apart from the daily Chicago-to-Louisville service. ''What we've done for the first time on this train is have a lounge car,'' said Mary Black, product-line supervisor for Amtrak in Indianapolis. ''We will serve mint juleps and get people in a Derby mood. Then we'll see how successful this is before making plans for this year.'' A banner and virtually empty Union Station await passengers, who will be ferried to Churchill Downs and back by TARC. The Cardinal's Derby tie-in is as much due to local railroad buffs as it is to Amtrak's planning, said Jon Owen, a board member of the Kentucky Indiana Rail Advocates. Association members began pushing the idea shortly after the Cardinal first arrived in Louisville in December, two years after the train began service between Chicago and Jeffersonville, Ind. But Amtrak, which has been cutting personnel and threatening route changes to assure its survival, initially balked at the idea, Owen said. Amtrak officials eventually agreed to a low-key approach, with no additional passenger stops or promotions. ''If they geared up for it, they could have had some fun with it,'' said Barry Barker, TARC's executive director. ''(Amtrak's) focus, unfortunately, is on survival at this point.'' ''We hope to do more . . . in terms of promoting the train related to horse racing -- as a way for race fans in Kentucky to travel to Chicago for the Breeders' Cup in October, and for the Derby next year,'' Amtrak spokesman Howard Riefs said. The Derby train will never regain its past glory, supporters acknowledge. ''What you'll see may be a microcosm of the heyday of the passenger trains that came in for Derby, but not at all the same thing,'' Castner said. In the early 1920s, there were so many trains that the railroads couldn't control arrival and departure times for regular lines, or for the specials hooked together by travel agencies, wealthy sportsmen and socialites. It was a time when a scheduled departure was considered almost a sacred trust - -- so to solve the chaos, the railroads developed a numbers system designating each train arriving at Union Station or the old Central Station on Seventh Street. That allowed station masters to plan the trains' parking slots, no matter when they arrived. Departure, agreed upon ahead of time, was also based on the number. It was much like an air-traffic control system, Castner said. The system worked to perfection, Castner said, moving regular traffic and more than 50 special locomotives towing an extra 500 cars. Eventually, however, trains fell out of favor because of the advent of airlines and interstate highways. Union Station still handled as many as 30 special trains by the mid-1950s, but the number of passengers continued to tumble. ''By the mid-'60s, you had eight, 10, 12 trains coming into Union Station and a few into Central, Castner said. ''You could see where transportation was headed.'' Amtrak's Floridian continued to add Derby cars into the early 1970s, Castner said, but even that service dried up. This morning, the Cardinal will pull into Louisville with a Derby feel -- if not the impact of its predecessors. Henry J. Henry Priebe Jr. Blue Moon President & Network Administrator root_@_bluemoon.net www.bluemoon.net - Blue Moon Internet Corp V.90, X2 & K56flex www.railfan.net - The Railfan Network ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 13:36:52 -0400 (EDT) From: Blue Moon Network Administrator Subject: (rshsdepot) Highland Park, Texas Train Station, Armory Interesting tidbit. Please CC any reposnses to Chip at csrvices_@_swbell.net Henry J. Henry Priebe Jr. Blue Moon President & Network Administrator root_@_bluemoon.net www.bluemoon.net - Blue Moon Internet Corp V.90, X2 & K56flex www.railfan.net - The Railfan Network - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 04 May 2002 02:22:25 -0500 From: "Chip S. Ross" To: railfanem_@_railfan.net Subject: Highland Park, Texas Train Station I lived from 1960 to 1969 across the street from this train station in a house my father built by renovating an old armory (that was designed and built very similar as the train station). This armory served a vital military role in the 1800's and early 1900's. Dad added a new structure to the armory, but kept the original building as intact as possible. My bedroom was in the old armory part and the next room down the hall from mine was haunted or possessed. The armory had also served as a overnight sleep over place for President Teddy Roosevelt. I would to hear from anyone that may know about any information why the room was haunted or possessed? The station was intact when we moved and was later torn down and townhouse built there. C. Ross csrvices_@_swbell.net ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 13:46:56 -0400 (EDT) From: Blue Moon Network Administrator Subject: (rshsdepot) Re: Lousville, KY Union Station Derby Train Two other trains are supposedly expected for the Derby, not sure if they will be terminating at Union Station, but I don't see why not. There is a "Governors Train" arriving on CSX, using mostly CSX B&O style passenger cars and supposedly there is also a special due in via NS. Henry J. Henry Priebe Jr. Blue Moon President & Network Administrator root_@_bluemoon.net www.bluemoon.net - Blue Moon Internet Corp V.90, X2 & K56flex www.railfan.net - The Railfan Network ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #365 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004b01c1f4a9$701a32a0$bd4f9a40_@_paul> Date: Sun, 5 May 2002 22:54:57 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: (rshsdepot) trip questions More dumb questions: OK I now know the great stone station at the triangle between CV and NH (sorry to use archaic designations) is Palmer station and I wish it would let me off while I wait to walk about it, under the great wood awning on the other side and inside the antique store... 1) So what was the yellow station-like building I saw last time years ago at the same spot but I presume much further down the tracks east (on the E-W line)? I peaked it over the freights to the north side 2)When was last time a passenger train let passengers off at this fine sturdy Palmer station on each line?? At this point I pause to reflect that many old stations still stand along the entire route to Amherst, and it is sad to see so many recently ended freight spurs along the way, and so many empty or mostly empty yards (though there are two Red and Black NH Diesels in Hartford yards, are these used?) I guess that is question #3.. 4) East of Norton Heights, Connecticut station in the parking lot near the tracks is a structure used by a company with a name beginning with "Darien",, is this the old station here or a freight station? It seemed too close to the Norton Heights station to be Darien... There was another building I saw looking like a freight station no where near anywhere and I forgot to write it down and didn't take a picture, so I shouldn't even mention it... 5) Springfield station stop: southwestern side there are no tracks, the current non-grand station is where the tracks would have passed, at the western end, off from the other tracks (10 in all once, 9 platforms?) west of the station proper, after passing the tower are two sets of skeleton remains of sheds, actually it seemed to be one shed that curved around...I took pictures, but with 3200 ASA film I don't know if I will have much to show.... What were these platforms, if not just a single curved platform for? The street (south) side was longer than the one closer to the other mainline tracks, the curve is at a wall, and I spot no exit from there, yet there seemed no way to have once gotten to those platforms from the station...I walked there because no tracks exist anymore, and didn't study it more for clues or better pictures because one I might have been arrested, who knows, and two, the train may have left me and left with my luggage (the reason I didn't stop the train before Amherst and bike up the rail trail to Northampton). What was this far off platform(s) for, interurbans? (it seemed the outside track never had a platform near the others, perhaps this track went there, maybe it was for express? Anyone know? My final question I asked before....sorry that I don't know where I put the info (obviously not in my brain)...what are the two stations in the Bronx on this old NH line? the crumbling one on the east side north of Orchard Beach/City Island road approaches, Pelham area; the second below Tremont maybe it is above the tracks somehow still there? Oops, another question, was there ever a purpose for the (now skeletal) paths on either side of the bridge, on the other side of the concrete, before the outer frame, they don't seem connected to anything at the end of the arch part of bridge on either side now...Did they ever, were they planned to be, is this the streetcar planned areas? Finally when will Amtrak go to Northampton again? (In addition to Amherst! LOL) Oh yeah, any stories or pictures of an old depot at Three Rivers, Mass. ?? Just north of Meriden there was a rail trestle....east-west, not on my ,map, why and what was this line? Paul ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #366 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Mon, 6 May 2002 15:18:53 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) Worcester, MA From the Worcester, Ma Tegram & Gazette... Communities hoping Union Stations get economies moving Sunday, May 5, 2002 By Bronislaus B. Kush Telegram & Gazette Staff PROVIDENCE-- Union Station -- a segmented complex of five yellow-brick and brownstone structures that distinctively reflect Colonial and Renaissance motifs -- hasn't seen a train pull up in 15 years. And except for the most ardent train enthusiasts, nobody in Rhode Island's capital city is really upset. Opened in 1898 to replace another train barn that burned down, the station snugly fits in the middle of Capital Center, a 60-acre urban renewal project that has reshaped the face of New England's second-largest city. Visitors walking out the front door are greeted by a public skating rink and a plaza that's ringed by the busy financial and government districts. Out back, the award-winning Waterplace Park -- created recently when the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket rivers were moved closer to the routes they followed before 19th century development partially filled the waterways -- features a tranquil pool with a central fountain and a stone-stepped amphitheater. Nearby, Providence Place -- a glitzy, 13-acre upscale mall -- woos shoppers. Though it offers no train service, Union Station has a place here, serving as home to restaurants and offices, including those of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and The Rhode Island Foundation, one of the region's largest philanthropies. =93It's too bad that Providence is one of the few cities that actually decided to close down (train) service in its Union Station,=94 said Rick Schwartz, a spokesman for The Rhode Island Foundation, which now owns a good chunk of the station. =93But on the other hand, the building was saved.=94 Providence officials view the restoration of their Union Station as an important piece in the overall $740 million plan to replace nearby empty lots and dilapidated buildings into a Manhattan-style neighborhood where people can live, shop and be entertained. But the success didn't come overnight. As their peers in Worcester are now trying to do, Providence planners had to find the right fit for the old train station - -- balancing the desire to restore a historic gem with the need to integrate that treasure into a comprehensive plan that would drive local economic development. By virtue of the dominance of the =93iron horse=94 in meeting the nation's transportation needs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, train stations became centerpieces in many communities, with municipal officials sparing no cost to lavishly appoint their transportation hubs. But as America moved into the auto and jet ages, train service thinned out and cavernous Union Stations, with their large upkeep costs, began deteriorating. Many, such as Worcester's, shut down and became eyesores - -- prompting civic leaders to find other tenants and purposes for their rail centers. Some New England cities have chosen, whether by design or lack of development interest, to use their historic stations solely as transportation hubs. Others have added commercial, entertainment or cultural aspects to the mix. Urban designers stress, however, that there is no tried and true formula to making old train stations economically viable. Much, they said, depends on the market needs of the community and the ability of the building to fill that capacity. But, they add that the time and expense of rehabilitating the stations is well worth it. Erich Strebe, a spokesman for the Great American Station Foundation, said train station renovations have served as critical anchors in redevelopment efforts in a number of communities. He said the projects have increased employment, nearby property assessments and household incomes. Additionally, they have boosted civic pride. =93A station renovation leads to economic ripple effects, as well as affecting community cohesion,=94 said Mr. Strebe, noting more and more cities are looking to upgrade their stations. The New Mexico-based organization received between 40 and 50 requests this year from municipalities seeking financial help to restore their =93Union Stations.=94 Fifteen cities and towns got some aid. The foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1996 as an offshoot of Amtrak to promote economic development through the preservation of railroad stations. =93There are always people saying, 'Why restore an old train station.' Well, there's an inherent value in those buildings,=94 Mr. Strebe said. =93In most communities, the train station is the premier piece of architecture, and many people can relate to it (historically). And then there's the economic development that a restored station brings.=94 In 1999, the foundation -- in concert with Amtrak -- studied the effect of station restorations in several cities and determined the investments yielded significant results. In cities the size of Worcester, for example, the projects resulted in an increase of 170 to 975 jobs. Meanwhile, the overall value of properties went up between $15 million and $90 million, with communities reaping an additional $750,000 to $4.5 million annually in property taxes. Urban planners, however, caution municipal officials that a train station restoration is not a simple task and that economic objectives are not realized overnight. In Providence, for example, the old train station sat in the middle of a tract that city officials ambitiously wanted to redevelop. There were some who advocated the demolition of the building, which occupies a parcel about the size of a city block. The tracks and other physical components of the rail system formed a physical barrier that separated the downtown from Smith Hill. Train traffic had dropped considerably over the years, and some felt a smaller station would better fit Providence's needs. When it opened, about 300 trains stopped at Union Station, but, by the 1950s, that traffic decreased by 75 percent. So, when the federal government proposed upgrades to the Amtrak system, city planners saw their opportunity to move on the urban renewal project. The rail infrastructure, including the bed, was removed and a smaller train facility opened in 1987, just a short distance away. =93For the most part, the tracks bisected the city, dividing the financial district from state government,=94 Mr. Schwartz said. As for Union Station itself, a development partnership planned an $11 million renovation to turn the building into a retailing center. A major fire, though, heavily damaged it, and the station looked like it might still face the wrecking ball. Renovation plans, however, were jump-started when London-based Cookson America -- in search of a North American headquarters -- bought the central portion of the station and retrofitted it at a cost of $14 million. That segment, which serves as the centerpiece for the complex, was purchased about three years ago for about $5 million by The Rhode Island Foundation, which moved its offices there and added an art gallery. Besides the foundation, the central segment houses a public radio station, a children's advocacy group and two restaurants. The Rhode Island Foundation, which has $400 million in assets and is the 20th-largest community foundation in the United States, hired a curator to manage the gallery, which rotates its exhibits. Currently, there's an exhibit focusing on the old Negro baseball leagues. Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. had originally raised objections to the sale of a part of Union Station to the nonprofit foundation, fearing a loss of property tax money. City officials backed off, however, when the tax-exempt foundation agreed to pay anyway. The rebirth of Union Station in Providence prompted other communities to consider renovations. Train stations in Westerly and Woonsocket also underwent makeovers, though on a much smaller scale. Meanwhile, up north in rustic Vermont, a number of residents in Brattleboro banded together to save their community's station. From 1849 to 1966, the railroads linked Brattleboro to the otside world with as many as 18 trains stopping in the scenic town. All the mail, as well as the out-of-town newspapers, was delivered by rail. Trains served as the conduit for all sorts of goods. The 1950s, however, brought with it air travel and new forms of communication, including television and the interstate highway system. On Sept. 1, 1966, the Central Vermont and the Boston & Maine terminated regular passenger service, and Brattleboro's Union Station, a modest building by train station standards, closed. It quickly fell into disrepair and was sold to the town. The station was in great need of parking, and Brattleboro officials, fearful of the public's safety, decided to raze the building. A group of concerned residents, though, wanted to save the building in hopes of turning it into a community art center and history museum. After much hard work by volunteers, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center opened in 1972, and the station became the first building in town to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. =93The station was slated to become a parking lot,=94 said Christine R. Holderness, the museum's director. =93It was in really rough shape, and derelicts were continuously breaking in. People were literally scraping paint off the walls to save this building.=94 The museum, which shuts down in the winter, rents the station from the town for $1 annually. Officials said the building was almost totally dependent on volunteer help over its first 10 years of existence. It now receives some corporate and foundation aid. Interestingly, train service returned in 1973 when Amtrak reinstated The Montrealer. Today, there's one train that travels daily to St. Albans, Vt., and a second that winds southward to Washington, D.C. Overall, the station functions as a museum, though a small portion is used as a waiting room for train passengers. The museum has 500 members, and Ms. Holderness said it is becoming more connected to the town. For example, on the weekend of June 8, the museum, which opens for the season May 18, will be holding a Family Fair to coincide with Brattleboro's first =93Heifer Stroll.=94 It's unclear what the future holds for Worcester's Union Station, but the problems and issues that block its full use have been encountered by officials in other New England communities, planners said. Much, they believe, will depend on how city fathers decide to carve up Washington Square and the abutting parcels. =93Union Station is an important piece in downtown development,=94 said Philip J. Niddrie, Worcester's chief development officer. For the time being, Mr. Niddrie said city officials will continue efforts to expand and improve commuter rail. He said they are also interested in finding some tenants to provide ancillary services for station users, such as dry cleaning and package and mail delivery. Bronislaus B. Kush can be reached via e-mail at bkush_@_telegram.com. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #367 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001201c1f5b0$dfa27620$5b7ff2d0_@_lner4472> Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 06:20:54 -0400 From: "Alexander D. Mitchell IV" Subject: (rshsdepot) La Plata, Md. PRR depot > Did you here from anybody about the status of this wonderful > station? I hope that it survived the tornado... I have finally (after much begging) received thirdhand reports that the station received minor-to-moderate damage from flying debris, but was not directly hit or destroyed by the tornado. No photos as of yet. Alexander D. Mitchell IV ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <340290C3.5E28B228.0C5D602C_@_aol.com> Date: Tue, 07 May 2002 10:53:43 -0400 From: PifyJtrain_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) La Plata, Md. PRR depot Wgat in the twon was destroyed cause i vivsited it a few years ago and stayed at this inexpensive but good hotel ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 15:49:38 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) Waverly, OH I have been informed that the DT&I depot in Waverly, Ohio (Pike County) has been demolished. This was not unexpected; pe= r Dan West's "Existing Ohio Stations" website (http://www.west2k.com/ohio.htm) the depot was slated for demolition by the= city. "Norfolk Southern uses tracks to switch Mills Pride cabinet factory nearby. The city of Waverly bought the depot and yard= tracks connecting to NSRR . The city of Waverly plans to demolish the depot in the near future to satisfy state requirem= ents to construct a state approved truck bypass connecting SR220 East and West Second St." - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 16:29:58 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) Grafton, WV From Railpace... GRAFTON CELEBRATION: A celebration commemorating 150 years of railroad history in Grafton, West Virginia will be held between Thursday July 4 and Sunday July 7 and will be centered around Grafton's downtown area, which is located immediately north of the railroad. It will include displays of railroad artifacts and model railroads, as well at food, craft and gift vendors throughout the weekend. There will be a parade on the evening of July 4 and fireworks that night, a Civil War reanactment on July 6, and musical presentations on July 4-6. The former-B&O passenger station is in the process of being renovated; and It is anticipated that its first floor will be open to the public at some point during the celebration. On July 6, various railroad photographers will present slide shows of B&O and CSXT railroad operations in Grafton and on the four lines that radiate from Grafton. The guest of honor, Alan F. Crown, CSXT's Executive Vice President-Transportation, will be present on July 5. CSXT's general office building complex will be open to the public between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on July 4. There will be a ceremony dedicating the new office building; and the railroad will provide refreshments. Various locomotives will be positioned for visitors to view and photograph. Inquiries regarding the celebration should be directed to the office of Grafton's city manager ( 304-265-1412 ) or the Taylor County Historical Society (304-265-5549). (Jay Potter - posted 5/07) - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <182.8031ca2.2a0993fc_@_aol.com> Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 16:33:00 EDT From: I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Waverly, OH In a message dated 5/7/2002 3:50:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jdent1_@_optonline.net writes: > I have been informed that the DT&I depot in Waverly, Ohio (Pike County) has > been demolished. This was not unexpected; per Dan West's "Existing Ohio > Stations" website (http://www.west2k.com/ohio.htm) the depot was slated for > demolition by the city. For a photo of the Waverly depot go to: http://www.dtirr.com/images/waverly.gif (1982 view) Bernie Wagenblast ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003c01c1f63d$bb32ef80$1754f6d1_@_paul> Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 23:09:10 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: (rshsdepot) Springfield question redux Doesn't anyone know what those platforms at Springfield Mass station were? Also..what is Wgat? ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #368 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002201c1f676$b3c39e00$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Wed, 08 May 2002 05:57:02 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Hutchinson, MN Photo link: http://www.hutchinsonleader.com/ArticlesImg/4775.jpg (May 2000) Plan to bring trains to city losing steam By Terry Davis Staff Writer - Hutchinson Leader It is becoming less likely that Hutchinson residents will ever again hear a train blow its horn at the numerous railroad crossings in the city. On Monday, members of the McLeod Regional Rail Authority and the shippers' Central Prairie Railway Associa-tion heard an update on the status of Dakota Rail from Chairman Sheldon Nies. Nies said it appears unlikely that the 44-mile ex-Great Northern branch line from Hutchinson to Wayzata will attract the necessary rehabilitation money needed to restore service. The last Dakota Rail train departed Hutchinson on June 14, 2000. The rail authorities from Carver, Hennepin and McLeod counties, along with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, purchased the railroad in December 2001 from Florida-based RailAmerica. Under a ruling from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, they must attempt to find operators for the line for a period of up to two years. Hennepin County, as the lead agency in the partnership, has been leading the effort to survey the shippers' interest in restoring service and the potential to attract an operator, Nies said. "The state has said it won't put more money in for rehab. It is already putting money in for the purchase of the line," Nies said. The shippers are unlikely to be able to invest enough to restore service, but under the purchase agreement, the track will likely stay in place for two years, he added. Under the purchase agreement, the three county rail authorities retain control over the portion of the abandoned rail line within their county borders. None may sell off property within the main rail corridor right of way. Other railroad property can only be sold with the permission of all three county rail authorities and MnDOT. "The 100-foot right of way has to be preserved. The state isn't going to let us sell that. In some places it is narrower than that," Nies said. "We are hoping the spur line north of the river in Hutchinson (which is former Luce Line trackage) is outside of that agreement. We hope to be able to sell that to pay back the $550,000 the rail authority owes the state." Nies also asked for the city of Hutchinson's assistance in controlling weeds along the right of way within city limits and for help in cleaning up debris near the railroad's shop at the Bluff Street crossing. Rail authority member Larry Graf was appointed by Nies to lead a committee that will study the condition of the Hutchinson depot, which was damaged by fire in April 2001. Mayor Marlin Torgerson said a consultant for the Hutchinson Downtown Association has suggested the depot be preserved and moved to a site north of the river to serve as a trail head or chamber of commerce office. A local model railroad group is interested in preserving the depot and two pieces of maintenance of way equipment parked outside as a historical display and home for a model railroad. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002801c1f67a$52bf3430$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Wed, 08 May 2002 06:22:57 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA Photo links: http://www.prrths.com/Phila_Images_PP8.htm (aerial view) http://www.prrths.com/Phila_Images_PP5.htm (aerial view) http://www.nrhs.com/natdir/spring01/30th-interior.jpg (interior view) Realty Trust Plans 32-Story Office Building at Philadelphia Amtrak Station Cira Centre would be constructed next to 30th Street Station starting next year. The opening is scheduled for late in 2005. Philadelphia Inquirer...05/08/2002 By Henry J. Holcomb The region's top suburban office landlord is making a major move in the city. Brandywine Realty Trust will unveil plans this morning for a 32-story office building, designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, that it says will be under construction next year at Amtrak's 30th Street Station, and open in late 2005. Pelli, best known for his work on the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, has designed a prism-shaped, silvery glass structure. "It will take on the quality of the sky ... with its many facets reflecting different parts of the sky, it will sparkle," said Pelli associate Mark Shoemaker. This is a much smaller-scale development than others that have proposed for the site. In the 1980s, Houston developer Gerald Hines planned to develop a small city on a platform over the rail yard. And there was talk of building a new Phillies ballpark there. Jerry Sweeney, chief executive of Brandywine, based in Newtown Square, said his company is taking a more sensible approach. "We're starting with something that will fit into a much larger whole that can be developed later, rather than starting with a large whole and trying to figure out where to start," he said. Brandywine has two years to begin construction on the property, which it would lease from Amtrak for 99 years, Sweeney said. He would not disclose the terms of the deal. While Brandywine has not yet signed a lead tenant for the building, Sweeney expressed confidence that his company can line up enough tenants to justify beginning construction next year. This would put the building, called Cira Centre, in the competition for major Center City tenants like Comcast Corp., now in Centre Square, and Cigna Corp., now in Two Liberty Place. Both have major leases expiring in 2006. The building would replace the western third of the parking deck on Arch Street on the north side of the station. A new covered walkway would link the building to the foyer that serves SEPTA's commuter trains. Amtrak also has signed an agreement with Berwind Property Group of Philadelphia to build a 1,500-car parking garage adjacent to the new building. The balance of the existing parking deck will be refurbished as a landscaped entrance plaza, with some parking, for the new building and parking garage. Occupants of the building could catch a train to Washington, New York City, Boston or Harrisburg -- or to Center City, the suburbs and airport -- without going outdoors. Cira is the second new building being planned for Center City. Liberty Property Trust of Malvern plans to start construction in August on a 52-story, 1.2 million square foot tower, One Pennsylvania Plaza, next to Suburban Station, on John F. Kennedy Boulevard at 17th Street. Sweeney said there's room for both new buildings. "They will add only five percent to the Center City market," he said. Both buildings are designed by deans of the Yale University School of Architecture. Pelli, a native of Argentina, served in that role from 1977 to 1984. Robert A.M. Stern, architect on One Pennsylvania Plaza, has been dean since 1998. The Brandywine project is part of a nationwide Amtrak effort to earn revenue from its real estate, with an emphasis on projects that increase ridership. The 30th Street Station site is in a Keystone Opportunity Zone, a development-promoting program launched by then-Gov. Tom Ridge. This allows tenants to avoid paying several city and state taxes through 2013. KOZ benefits also mean Brandywine can charge rental rates around $ 35 per foot annually, "which is competitive with the stay-put cost" prospective tenants face in renewing leases, Sweeney said. Like rival One Pennsylvania Place, Cira Centre will have many safety features developed since 9/11. Fire escape stairways will be wider, outside air vents can be closed quickly, parking beneath the building will be secured and fire sprinkler systems will be more robust, Sweeney said. With its imposing presence at the western edge of the Center City skyline, and high visibility from the Schuykill Expressway, Sweeney said the building will appeal to "tenants who want to make a statement." Sweeney said it will also appeal -- with its location on an interstate highway and both regional and inter-city rail lines -- to those who need access to the widest array of employees. The building will also be on the transit loop that serves the nearby University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Brandywine, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, owns 301 office and industrial properties, with a total of 20.4 million square feet, virtually all of them in the Philadelphia suburbs. The company is moving its headquarters this month from Newtown Square to Plymouth Meeting. With 1,300 companies already leasing space in its buildings and a 25 percent of the region's office market, Sweeney said, "we have tremendous access to the deal flow. We're confident that the region needs this high-level addition ... that the market will support delivering this building at a profit for our shareholders." - ----- To see more of The Philadelphia Inquirer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.philly.com ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Wed, 8 May 2002 13:53:28 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) Hopkinton, MA From the Boston Daily News... The Old Railroad Station: Historic landmark emerges from retirement By Cathy Flynn Tuesday, May 7, 2002 For half a century, the former Hopkinton railroad station has lived in obscurity behind a Pond Street home. The building's faded red exterior, decaying roof and aging wood floor only hint at its glory days as a passenger depot on Main Street, at the site where Hopkinton Lumber is today. But if the Historical Commission's vision is realized, this historic landmark will get a new life near Ice House Pond as a tourist information center and shelter for ice skaters in the winter. The old station took its first steps out of retirement last weekend, when a crew dismantled it and loaded it onto a flatbed truck for a journey to Weston Nurseries, which will store the structure until it can be moved to Ice House Pond. "The station would go where the bus shelter is now, at the site where the ice house once was," said Michelle Gates of the Historical Commission. "We're hoping to have a tourist information center on one side, with bus schedules, hiking maps, old photos and information from area nonprofits. On the other side, we'll have benches for people putting on their skates." A team of people on the Historical Commission, many of them also members of the Hopkinton Historical Society, has begun planning the depot's renaissance. Gates' husband, Mark, an architect, has developed site plans and a rendering of how the relocated building would look. Others on the team include Roger and Marilyn Mezzitt, Ron Yankee and Rose Leveille. "We want to save this building," said Leveille. "It's part of our history." Gates said reconstructing and restoring the building will require volunteers and money, more money than the $12,000 the town allocated for the project last fall at a special Town Meeting. The Conservation Commission must approve the project since the new site is within 100 feet of a wetlands area, and Hopkinton Building Inspector Dick Bowker must also review the plans and check the restored building to ensure that it meets today's codes. The Historical Commission is hoping for some help from Scouting groups and other volunteers, and from Home Depot, which has a program that provides free materials for restorations of historically significant buildings. Built in 1872, the old passenger rail station was in service for about 40 years. Its last role was as a stop in a loop service that took travelers by rail from Boston to Framingham, Ashland, Hopkinton, Milford, Bellingham, Franklin, Walpole and Readville before heading back to Boston. The train service was abandoned in 1912, and in the early 1950s the station was relocated to 110 Pond St., behind a home built in 1843. Back then the property was the Leman dairy farm, and a herdsman lived in the house. The old station took its place next to a creamery, pump house and barn, all antique structures that are still part of the property. Longtime Hopkinton residents remember the day when the station was moved to Pond Street. "I worked on a milk truck with my older brother, and we'd take raw milk from Maplewood Farm on Hayden Rowe to the Leman Farm creamery to have it pasteurized," recalled Bowker, who was 12 years old when the building was moved. "That part of Pond Street used to be called Tunnel Road, and I remember taking the truck up Tunnel Road and seeing this massive building on the road in front of us." Bowker said that he and his brother backed up the truck all the way to West Elm Street so that they could reroute their delivery. The ensuing years were not kind to the old station. Weather and nesting squirrels had faded its red paint and pockmarked and disfigured its roof. Its resurrection began when the Sweetapple family, which bought the former herdsman's residence several years ago and has added onto it, needed more back yard space but wanted to preserve the historic building. Family members approached the Historical Commission last year about adopting the building, and the commission wholeheartedly accepted. The commission pitched the project at a special Town Meeting last fall, and the result was a $12,000 grant from the town. Last weekend a crew from Architectural Resources, a firm that specializes in restoring older buildings, was carefully taking apart the aging structure. Because it would not fit under the Rte. 495 overpass, the building had to be taken apart and laid flat. Over two days the crew carefully removed the roof and the 4-foot overhang around the building, then separated the walls of the structure at the corners. Working in Saturday's heavy winds, the crew removed the roof carefully to avoid creating an air pocket that could have blown over the fragile structure. Some planks were removed individually and numbered so they may be put back together in the future. "The roof was a mess, but the subflooring was in perfect shape," said Architectural Resources owner John Canham. The interior walls, built from yellow pine, also aged well and can be part of the restoration. The walls were laid flat on a truck, which moved under a special permit for oversized loads to Weston Nurseries. It's uncertain when the structure will emerge from storage and move to its new home at Ice House Pond, although Gates is hoping it can move there in the fall. The house must be reconstructed and restored wall by wall, and that will require money and time. Anyone interested in helping to restore the former railroad station or in donating money toward the restoration should contact Michelle Gates at 508-435-8288. Donations may be mailed to the Historical Commission at Town Hall, 18 Main St. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #369 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003f01c1f744$8db37630$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 06:30:34 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Philadelphia, MS Architectural work to start on rail depot By MITCH LUCAS The Neshoba Democrat reporter An architect is to perform a formal evaluation of the old railroad depot this week, continuing recent efforts to restore the building for public use. The depot, almost 100 years old, also recently achieved state landmark status, the director of the city's Main Street program said Monday. Civic leaders, including Main Street director Stacy Pair, Mayor Rayburn Waddell and economic developer David Vowell, are scheduled to meet with the architect, Sam Kaye, on Wednesday afternoon. Kaye will listen to ideas on the building, and begin an extensive evaluation. Among the possibilities suggested for the depot: A welcome center; office space for the Main Street program and the Community Development Partnership, a recently-formed civic improvement association; and a small exhibit hall. The most likely use, said the mayor, is a combination of all three. "Certainly we would like to have something there that will be both useful for our folks, and something we can all be proud of," Waddell said. Kaye, who is from Columbus, performs similar evaluations for the state's Main Street Association on a regular basis and conducted a brief, unofficial evaluation of the depot here last year. He told The Neshoba Democrat that the building is in good condition, and while rehabilitation work will be needed, would be an asset to the community. Kaye told Pair that his early estimate for renovation of the depot would be around $200,000. "In any case, the depot is a significant historic element in Philadelphia," he said. The city purchased the depot in March for $125,000 from local developer Gaston Barrett. At its first meeting in April, the Board of Aldermen passed a resolution requesting that the depot be named a state landmark. Pair was surprised to find out last week that the resolution basically made the landmark status official. "I was a little surprised to find out it was that simple, but I think the reason for that is because there is so much interest in it at the (state's) Department of Archives and History," she said. "I don't know that it's common that everyone is approved so quickly." Waddell said one reason for the quick approval for landmark designation is because the Philadelphia depot is the last depot still located on the route between Mobile, Ala., and Jackson, Tenn. Many of the depots are still intact, but have been moved from their original sites. "I think they're as fired up as we are about getting the building restored," Waddell said. Along with the resolution, the city also submitted photos of the building's exterior, interior and a legal description of the historic property, as recorded in county deed records. The resolution, as passed by the board, stated that the depot possesses "substantial and important historic, aesthetic, architectural, scenic and cultural character" and that the board desires to preserve the structure for future generations. The depot was constructed here by the Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City Railroad in 1905. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004501c1f745$9c400550$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 06:38:08 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Petaluma, CA Photo link: http://www.nwprrhs.org/petaluma112.jpg (1908 photo) Move toward railroad depot lease for city By CHIP MCAULEY, ARGUS-COURIER STAFF Petaluma will be stepping all aboard a renovation of the city's railroad depot if all goes well. On Monday the Petaluma Community Development Commission (PCDC), AKA the Petaluma City Council, unanimously voted to approve a resolution to start negotiations with the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority (NWPRA) to obtain a right of entry permit with options to lease the Petaluma depot buildings. The permit could be granted by July 15. Located on Lakeville Street between East Washington and D streets, the site includes three buildings dating to 1914. The area is meant to be a focal point of the Central Petaluma Specific plan which hopes to revitalize the area. Paul Marangella, director of economic development and redevelopment, noted that the site could have important civic, social, and non-profit uses. He recommended obtaining the permit with lease option. Other options were beginning direct lease negotiations or deferring the consideration of the depot lease. "We thought it more prudent to work with the railroad under a short term lease," said Marangella. The buildings could have a number of uses, including being a hub for the SMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit) commuter train system. At present no alternative was presented for leasing the entire six acre site. One caveat in the approval is it will include the option for a long-term lease for the city. The estimated cost for the project is currently $2, 750,000. This covers $1,900, 000 of renovation, $500,000 for parking and access, and $350,000 for landscaping. With a potential $2.2 million coming from Sonoma County Transit in fiscal year 2003 from federal transportation funding, the city would only be required to match 20 percent of the cost or $550,000. Funds earmarked for implementation as part of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan could also come from the redevelopment agency itself. Councilmember Pamela Torliatt voiced her support for an equal opportunity occupancy selection for the facilities. "I want to make sure that it's an open process in that selection," she said, noting interest by SMART, the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau in the area. Councilmember Mike Healy called it a "very exciting project for the community," and said approving the right of entry was likely to jump-start the implementation of the Central Petaluma Specific Plan. (Contact Chip McAuley at cmcauley_@_argus courier.com) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ High hopes for dilapidated railroad depot Federal funds could pay for repairs, retrofit, helping city create public center April 12, 2002 By TOBIAS YOUNG THE PRESS DEMOCRAT Petaluma's historic railroad depot, sitting in a weed-covered lot along tracks that haven't felt the rumble of a train for months, is crumbling from sheer neglect. But the old depot building -- a victim of tough financial times in the railroad business -- may be saved from the wrecking ball. Mayor Clark Thompson calls the depot "a diamond presently in the rough" that would be key in a plan to rejuvenate the central city area. A plan to renovate the building for community use is picking up steam, with the potential of a $2.2 million federal grant. The money that would restore the depot building comes from the same federal transportation pot that has been approved for restoring or building railroad depots in Cotati, Windsor, Healdsburg and Cloverdale at a cost of about $2 million each. "We've had pretty good success in recent years with these projects," said Bryan Albee, the Sonoma County transit systems manager who applied for the grant. Petaluma would have to come up with another $550,000 in matching funds from its redevelopment agency. The depot, built in 1914, sits in the heart of an area designated for transformation from a largely vacant warehouse district along the river into a bustling, pedestrian-friendly center of commerce with a mix of housing, shops and offices and a rail and bus transit hub. Paul Marangella, city director of redevelopment, said a restored depot may help spur investment in the district. It would also create a space that could be used for a community conference room holding about 200 people and potentially new offices for the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce, the Petaluma Downtown Association and the Petaluma Visitors Center. Thompson said he supports the restoration concept and the building's possible uses, but the City Council hasn't formally discussed the proposal yet. "It would be a great use," Thompson said. "It will be a destination. We'll be wanting to bring people to that area anyway." The alternative is allowing the depot to deteriorate or losing it to another operator when the railroad resumes service, Marangella said. "You don't want to lose the depot," Thompson said. Although Albee has had success obtaining funds for the railroad depot projects, and one was restored in 1999 in Cloverdale, he said the funds are not assured. "At this point in time it's just a request," Albee said. The money would have to be approved by Congress and President Bush as part of the federal budget. The money would go to replace the leaking roof and restore the depot's inside and outside. The building also needs a costly earthquake retrofit. Part of the building was used as an office for the former railroad operators six months ago. Marangella said the city must act to obtain the depot while the railroad is not in operation, or risk losing it to a new operator. Because the land was purchased with federal money, the railroad would have to repay the government if it sold the property outright to the city. So Marangella is seeking a long-term lease instead. The Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority tentatively endorsed the concept in January, Marangella said. The depot would also serve as a place for commuters to wait for a passenger train, if one is eventually developed as envisioned by the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Authority. You can reach Staff Writer Tobias Young at 762-9498 or tyoung_@_pressdemocrat.com. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00ac01c1f769$6e901e50$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 10:54:33 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Rensselaer, NY Rail station on track so far Albany CDTA doesn't have a date for a ribbon- cutting, but a celebration is in the works By CATHY WOODRUFF, Staff writer It's hard to plan a party when the date is a moving target, but the Capital District Transportation Authority is giving it a try. CDTA officials are adamant that the oft-delayed opening of the Rensselaer Rail Station will be sometime in June. They just won't name the day."We want to open it, but it has to be right,'' said CDTA Operations Committee Chairman Wayne Pratt. "Everything has to be ready to go.''The project originally was slated to open in early 2001, and the authority is loath to set a firmer date after finally settling on a June 2002 opening months ago and sticking with it this far."The problem is each time we set a date, if we don't hit it people say, 'They didn't hit it again.' It's very difficult,'' Pratt said.CDTA board members also are still smarting from the furor over the cost, which soared from $35 million when ground was broken June 1999 to $53.1 million.On Wednesday, the board authorized the CDTA staff to work with event planners from Media Logic, an advertising and marketing agency that does much of the authority's regular publicity work, to help plan and carry out opening celebration festivities."Although we're accustomed to organizing ribbon-cuttings and some special events, this is a bit large for us,'' Executive Director Dennis Fitzgerald said.The board also authorized CDTA staff to begin talks on a possible takeover of Saratoga County's privately run commuter bus service.Board members Donald MacElroy and C. Michael Ingersoll, both of Saratoga County, said county supervisors asked them to broach the idea. "We've reached a crossroads with regard to the future of the Park-and-Ride program and Upstate Transit's operation of that service,'' MacElroy said.Last month, Upstate Transit President Paul Kulls asked the county to begin paying $80,000 a year toward operations."The county just isn't in a position to subsidize the public transportation business, and they want us to do that,'' Ingersoll said. Saratoga County residents already receive some CDTA service and help support the authority with their mortgage tax payments. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3CDAD412.FA34CAD9_@_nac.net> Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 15:54:57 -0400 From: Dave Rutan Subject: (rshsdepot) Station Plans: Lehigh & Hudson, Andover Junction, NJ http://sussexbranchmemorial.com/Modeling/Plans/AJ/aj.html I have just completed the drawings for the cottage-style Andover Junction Passenger station. This station saw many Lackawanna Sussex Branch trains stop and pick up passengers from the Lehigh & Hudson into the 1930s. It burned down in 1946 and was then replaced by the square shack which predominated until about 1976. Enjoy, Dave Rutan - -- DL&W Sussex Branch Memorial http://SussexBranchMemorial.com Monomania can be a good thing ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <014501c1f794$c2c586b0$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 16:04:43 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Bellmore, NY Photo link: http://arrts-arrchives.nstemp.com/images/acquired2.jpg (original station) From "Along the Track" employee newsletter of the Long Island Rail Road Bellmore: Functional and Attractive Our current Bellmore Station, built in 1969 during the grade separation project that elevated the Babylon Branch through the area, was, up until recently, a functional and efficient -- but modest -- facility. Now, its functionality and efficiency have been enhanced by an appealing makeover. In a recently completed rehabilitation project, the station exterior was improved with a new stucco-like finish, replacing the 1960s-era blue-glazed brick, making it more aesthetically compatible with architecture of the surround Village. Wainscoting was added around the foundation, and green trim around the top of the building provides an architectural cornice. New doors and windows grace the entranceway, with enhanced exterior lighting around the building provided by decorative, antique-style fixtures. A classic Long Island Rail Road keystone herald over the doors complete the look. The plaza area around the station also received a sprucing up, with the installation of brick pavers, new benches, new trash receptacles, upgraded lighting under the viaduct throughout the plaza, new landscaping, improved sidewalks, new vintage-style payphone kiosks, a new roll-up door for the vendor kiosk, and new Customer Information Center bulletin boards. In addition, a handsome wooden carved sign, with goldleaf-style lettering was installed over Bedford Avenue. In keeping with the town's recent focus on its history -- including new historical markers throughout the village -- the sign proclaims "Bellmore Village: A Stroll Down Memory Lane." Site work was completed a full six months ahead of schedule, with beneficial use achieved in February -- giving our customers an attractive "new" facility even before they expected it. Support for this $600,000 project was provided by Capital Program Review Board funding, with nearly all of the work carried out by various LIRR personnel in Engineering, including B&B and Electric Light & Power. The current station is the second to serve Bellmore. The first was built in 1869 by the South Side Railroad; it became an LIRR station in 1876 when the South Side was merged into our system. Modernized several times over the years -- including the addition of a stucco exterior and Spanish tile roof -- it remained in use until January 1969, when it was removed during the grade separation project. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 16:21:20 -0400 From: "jdent1_@_optonline.net" Subject: (rshsdepot) Maywood, NJ According to reports on the NYS&W list and from a local paper, the NYS&W depot in Maywood is in danger of being torn down= Unless a buyer is found the building will be torn down - maybe as soon as next month as the town wants the depot remov= ed prior to July 4th. The depot had been a VFW hall. After the VFW left the the depot has fallen into a state of disrepair. The town owns the= depot. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #370 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <01c701c1f80b$dac3d380$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 06:17:13 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Bowling Green, KY Photo link: http://www.burgoo.com/tl&ncard.jpg (old postcard view) Rail heritage gets its stage Railfest 2002 begins Friday at former depot By Scott Sisco, ssisco_@_bgdailynews.com -- 270-783-3256 Daily News Bowling Green's railroad heritage will be on display this weekend at the former L&N Depot. Railfest will be a "celebration of all things rail," according to Historic Railroad Committee member Rick Williams. The event begins with a luncheon Friday aboard one of the railroad cars that will be on permanent display outside the depot. The meal, served on the dining car, will be prepared with authentic railroad recipes. Tickets are $50 and Williams said there were about a dozen left Wednesday. "It's going to be very, very nice," Williams said. Proceeds will help restore the railroad cars, committee member Dorian Walker said. The rest of the events are free to the public. "We're going to need lots of volunteers to bring this dream to life," he said. "We want these things to look like, when they're finished, like they just rolled off the assembly line." The dining car that was used on the Southern Pacific Railroad will be repainted in official L&N colors and renamed "Duncan Hines" in honor of the famous former Bowling Green resident. Other rail cars in the display will include a caboose, L&N Presidential Car No. 353 and the "Towering Pine" - a former L&N Railroad Sleeper. "You can actually experience living history," Walker said. Activities begin at 2 p.m. Friday and will include games, face painting, clowns and food. Police cars, fire trucks and ambulances will be on display for children to see. A model railroad and information booths will be set up in the lobby. Williams said it will be like a street festival, only centered on the rail. There also will be rail car tours. "We've gotten a little paint on some of them and cleaned them up a little, but we've got a long way to go," Williams said. At 4 p.m. Friday, the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce will drive the ceremonial Golden Spike on the project. Bluegrass bands will take the stage after the ceremony. The Blue Stone Mountain Band, Joe Marshall & Rovin Ramblers and Logan County Grass will perform. Williams said the former depot, which opened a year ago as Kentucky's first digital library, will be developed as a tourist stop. "We envision this as a link to the past as well as the future," Williams said. ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004101c1f869$54b77bd0$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Fri, 10 May 2002 17:26:21 -0400 From: Bernie Wagenblast Subject: (rshsdepot) Woodland, CA Link: http://www.trainweb.org/svhr/depot/depot.htm (Woodland Depot Web site) Transit hub idea meets skepticism Council puts brakes on $100,000 study for East Main Street By SHARON STELLO, Woodland Daily Democrat staff writer Woodland's council put the brakes on plans to study the potential for building a transportation hub at the eastern entrance of downtown. The city's Redevelopment Agency had proposed the up-to-$100,000 study to examine whether a transit center should and could be built in the Armfield neighborhood on land bounded by Lemen Avenue, East Main, East and E streets. It had wanted to evaluate up to three sites for possible relocation of the existing Yolo Bus park-and-ride lot at County Fair Mall. The proposed transit hub would also involve relocating the abandoned Southern Pacific Railroad Depot from its location west of East Street to the Armfield site to provide space for a ticket office, history museum and passenger waiting area for Yolo Bus, Greyhound Bus and Yolo Shortline rail excursions. A park-and-ride area could also be built on the property. Now the Armfield property includes boxcar storage for the Yolo Shortline Railroad, a residential development, commercial and light industrial activity such as a convenience store, automobile repair shop and a cement batch plant as well as a county-owned storage facility. From May to October each year, the area also serves as a boarding area for Yolo Shortline weekend rail excursions between Woodland and West Sacramento. A County Housing Authority project is to the north and the new PCP tomato processing center lies to east. Redevelopment Manager Wendy Ross said the transit center project was derailed by a previous City Council because of opposition to having to relocate long-time residents in the area. A new study of the proposed transit hub would be paid for with $88,530 in federal transportation money and an $11,470 Community Development Block Grant. In February, the Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors, which is the City Council, authorized city staff to look for transportation planning consultants to complete the study. The Community Development Department recommended hiring Parsons-Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas Inc. in association with Bay Area Economics and Montoya Communications Inc. to do the study. On Tuesday, councilmembers were reluctant to jump into the study and decided to take a step back to re-evaluate their vision for the area during a later meeting. Vice Mayor Matt Rexroad expressed concerns about the city developing the property rather than allowing private enterprise to build it up. Ross explained the project would involve the city working with private investors in a partnership to develop the transit center. Councilman Jeff Monroe said he believes the city should find a partner before entering into the study phase. "Here's another study with no partnership," Monroe said. Mayor Dave Flory agreed there's no guarantee a private firm would want to join onto the project after the study is completed. "We're always hoping we're going to have a player that's going to join our team and hit a home run," Flory said. "What we say is the best use is not necessarily what an investor will say is the best use." Councilman Neal Peart was absent from the meeting and Councilwoman Martie Dote supported having the study completed. "This is an opportunity to use transportation money in a planning mode, which is not always available," Dote said. "I can understand wanting to have a partner first, but it's kind of a chicken and egg thing and I'm not sure if we're going to see an egg first or a chicken," Dote said. City Manager Richard Kirkwood said the Armfield property is a "very blighted area" and he views the proposed study as a way to create a vision for that part of the community. But, Kirkwood advised councilmembers to take a step back and consider returning the federal money if they don't envision a transit-oriented hub in the Armfield location. The council decided to explore the proposed study and project in more depth at a later meeting. - - Sharon Stello can be reached at 406-6231 or sstello_@_dailydemocrat.com ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #371 ******************************* ================================= The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002101c1f8fd$0cc5f9c0$e5453b41_@_oemcomputer> References: <002801c1f67a$52bf3430$9865fea9_@_Wagenblast> Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 15:03:43 -0000 From: "Gene Paoli" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA I hate to break the news but there already is a 14 story PRR office building at 32nd and Lancaster ave built in 1911 and extant. The building resides on the former site of Joseph Miller Wilson's PRR Centennial station opened in 1876 destroyed in 1906. The power house shown in the arial photo's was designed and constructed by United Engineers as were several other PRR warehouses and frieght buildings in Philadelphia. Sounds like the new office building may be constructed on the former Frank Heyling Furness 1907 PRR West Philadelphia station site. Gene Paoli - ----- Original Message ----- From: Bernie Wagenblast To: Rail Depot List Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2002 10:22 AM Subject: (rshsdepot) 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA > Photo links: > http://www.prrths.com/Phila_Images_PP8.htm (aerial view) > http://www.prrths.com/Phila_Images_PP5.htm (aerial view) > http://www.nrhs.com/natdir/spring01/30th-interior.jpg (interior view) > Realty Trust Plans 32-Story Office Building at Philadelphia Amtrak Station > Cira Centre would be constructed next to 30th Street Station starting next > year. The opening is scheduled for late in 2005. > > Philadelphia Inquirer...05/08/2002 > > By Henry J. Holcomb > > The region's top suburban office landlord is making a major move in the > city. > > Brandywine Realty Trust will unveil plans this morning for a 32-story office > building, designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, that it says will be > under construction next year at Amtrak's 30th Street Station, and open in > late 2005. > > Pelli, best known for his work on the world's tallest buildings, the > Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, has designed a prism-shaped, silvery glass > structure. > > "It will take on the quality of the sky ... with its many facets reflecting > different parts of the sky, it will sparkle," said Pelli associate Mark > Shoemaker. > > This is a much smaller-scale development than others that have proposed for > the site. In the 1980s, Houston developer Gerald Hines planned to develop a > small city on a platform over the rail yard. And there was talk of building > a new Phillies ballpark there. > > Jerry Sweeney, chief executive of Brandywine, based in Newtown Square, said > his company is taking a more sensible approach. "We're starting with > something that will fit into a much larger whole that can be developed > later, rather than starting with a large whole and trying to figure out > wh