Photo courtesy Bobcatnorth, Flickr

How to Preserve Historic Train Stations

A variety of specialized resources exist for railroad (particularly station) research, though much of it is informal. Check out county and state historical societies, libraries, private collections, and oral histories. Also investigate the Interstate Commerce Commission’s General Records or the Society of Industrial Archaeology’s consultants and services.

1. Research your depot’s history.

Photo courtesy Woodstock Public Library

Railroad companies can enhance their public image and secure local goodwill by working with agencies or organizations willing to redevelop the property for public benefits. Together, all partners can address safety issues, maximize corporate benefit, and strike the right balance between public use and commerce.

2. Develop a good relationship with the railroad company.

Photo courtesy Charlie Day, Flickr

Hire an architect, engineer, and/or contractor to determine the building's structural integrity, state of mechanical systems, and general renovation requirements. Review the zoning for types of uses and occupancies allowed. Survey the surrounding area for transportation routes, neighborhood amenities, and market opportunities.

3. Evaluate the buildingand the project.

Photo courtesy Des Blenkinsopp

Options include commercial (restaurant, shops, offices), public (government office, visitor center, community center), nonprofit (museum, charitable organization), or mixed use. Figure out how long the project will take and how much time is available.

4. Decide on the best use for the depot.

Photo courtesy Jeffrey Beall, Flickr

The project’s developer can be an existing organization or one formed for the sole purpose of redeveloping the depot. It can be a nonprofit organization, a for-profit business, a public agency, or a combination of entities. If it’s a combo, determine what role each entity will play. For example, a city could buy the building and transfer ownership or lease it to a nonprofit organization, or sell it to a for-profit developer.

5. Identify a developer.

Photo courtesy Brent Moore, Flickr

An accurate, complete feasibility study helps all those involved assess the project’s risks and rewards and make informed decisions. A feasibility study should include: the building’s historical and architectural significance; market evaluation; site description; physical analysis of the building and site; and professional real estate appraisal.

6. Determine if the project is feasible.

Photo courtesy Brent Moore, Flickr

Whether or not the local government takes a leadership role, its support is crucial to acquisition negotiations with the railroad company. Sell the project to influential government officials and to the public through a strong public relations effort. A groundswell of public opinion may influence not only local officials, but also the railroad company.

7. Build public support.

Photo courtesy Brent Moore, Flickr

Present your preliminary plans to your local landmark review board and/or your state historic preservation office (SHPO) for review and feedback. Prepare detailed cost estimates for acquisition, rehabilitation, and operation. Lastly, put together a funding plan that includes all potential sources of funding such as grants, loans, private donations, public funding, equity financing, and donated services and materials.

8. Compile plans and costs.

Photo courtesy Adam Minter, Flickr

Write an organized, complete description of the project based on your research that details possible uses, the developer’s qualifications, project costs, funding status, timetables, plans for future operation, and ways to mitigate railroad company concerns for any public safety issues and company liability.

9. Finalize the redevelopment plan.

Photo courtesy Thomas Kelley, Flickr

Though you’ll likely be talking with the railroad company throughout the planning process, the redevelopment plan plays an important part in the company's decision to relinquish ownership or control of the property. The plan should accurately describe a feasible project with individuals or organizations capable of successfully completing the project. As in any real estate transaction, there should be room for negotiation on both sides.

10. Submit the plan to the railroad company.

Photo courtesy Contemplative Imaging, Flickr

Ten on Tuesday features ten preservation tips each week. For more tips, visit blog.PreservationNation.org.