A look at the upcoming train depot
4/24/2008 12:46 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By APRIL BAILEY Staff writer

Construction for the Aiken Railroad Depot should begin in about three months, according to campaign chairman Tim Simmons.

Simmons, who presides over All Aboard, a public/private partnership organized to oversee the project, presented an overview of the history and the future of the train depot at an interest meeting at Security Federal on Wednesday afternoon.

By July, workers will begin to construct a replica of the railway station, constructed in the 1800s. The two-and-a-half story building, which will be built on its original site, will include a dome-shaped roof and elevator and interactive displays, which will feature the history of the railroad in Aiken as well as the entire state. The displays will be located in the depot's mezzanine.

Once the building is complete, Simmons said the ground floor will be used for gatherings such as meetings and receptions. He said the main floor will eventually become the visitor center for the City of Aiken.

Crews with Eastern Environmental Solutions recently worked to remove asbestos and lead paint from the dining cars and a caboose that arrived in Aiken from Tennessee last August. Simmons said project leaders decided to have the car shipped to Aiken so that the restoration work would go to local contractors, and they would "keep the money in the Aiken community," he said.

Workers are currently doing exterior work and repairs on the cars, which will be painted Pullman green with "The City of Aiken" painted in gold lettering.

The overall project will cost $3 million, which will be designated for construction, furnishings and exhibits. Construction on the railroad cars, depot and baggage buildings, loading platform and the site work and groups is expected to cost $2.4 million.

Expected costs for furnishings is $100,000 and a projected $500,000 for exhibits. To date, organizers have collected $2.1 million in pledges, according to Simmons.

Simmons said supporters of the project anticipate that it will stimulate "quality growth," at the corner of Park Avenue and Union Street.

"Sixty-four percent of downtown sales come from visitors," he said. "What we need to do is manage growth and take advantage of the benefits that growth brings."

He said he sees the project as "such a big part of Aiken's history that will be a wonderful addition to the community."

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com

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