Aiken Depot coming together

The construction currently taking place on Union Street is beginning to look more and more like Aiken's original railroad depot each day.

Tim Simmons, chairman of the All Aboard! fundraising campaign, said members of the railroad committee are working closely with the depot's architect and contractors that make sure the building's interior and exterior are closely in line with what the depot looked like in the early 1900s. Workers with Stewart Builders Inc. are constructing the depot.

"There is a lot of effort to make sure the depot is historically in keeping with the original building," said Simmons.

He said committee members are relying on historical documents and old photographs to assist them in trying to replicate the building.

The depot is being built north of Park Avenue on the Union Street right-of-way.

The $3 million project will serve as a railroad museum, complete with interactive railroad dioramas which will be stored on the second floor. The building will also be used as a visitor's center for the City of Aiken and the office for the City of Aiken's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.

New windows will soon be installed in the railroad cars, said Simmons. He said the depot's interactive exhibits will be assembled in the building early next year.

Simmons said the depot will have its grand opening next May, which will tie in the City of Aiken's 175th anniversary celebration.

Public interest lunches about the depot and other community projects are being held on the second Wednesday of every month at Security Federal Bank on Richland Avenue.

Those interested should call in advance to reserve a seat. The next meeting will be held on July 8.

The All Aboard! railroad committee will hold its next meeting on July 14.

To reserve a seat at a monthly information meeting, call 641-3002.

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com.