Slowed down by cold weather, workers continue to paint and finish up work on the exterior, including replacing the old gutters.
It’s the first big facelift and basic renovation since 1948, the last time any major work was done on the depot.
The depot is in the heart of the town between New Hampshire and Connecticut Avenues. The work refurbishing the old depot began last summer, and the progress is 98 percent complete.
The town hopes to hold a formal grand opening later this month, Mayor Frank Quis said.
“The N.C. Department of Transportation officials would probably want to be involved, and we are trying to organize some dates with the Town Council,” said David White, the town’s recreation and parks director. “Also I would hope Rep. Howard Coble will be able to come, too.”
A plaque will be placed on it to signify the renovation project.
Coble is a Republican congressman from Greensboro who represents Moore County. He was helpful in breaking bureaucratic logjams in Washington to get federal funding for the project.
Congress first approved federal funding for the depot restoration five or six years ago, but the money could not be used until the town took ownership of the depot. Many months were consumed in long-distance communications between CSX in Florida and the town. Amtrak was also involved, since the federally subsidized passenger service uses the tracks and the station.
CSX continues to own the railroad tracks, while the town has acquired title to the depot. The town will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the passenger depot as well as the adjacent brick freight depot.
The N.C. Rails Division, the Department of Transportation took over the project and has overseen the $800,000 in renovation work.
Clearscapes in Raleigh did the designs, and Carolina Construction, Inc. of Cheraw, S.C., did the work.
The refurbishing included a new roof, new paint job, replacement of rotten or worn out gutters and other exterior fixtures, a new canopy, a sidewalk to separate the station from the road along Broad Street and raising the concrete platform eight inches to allow passengers to get on and off the Amtrak more easily.
The interior was also refurbished. The original tile was kept.
The Southern Pines Civic Club has donated $2,300 for such beautification features as benches and flower containers.
The restoration was conceived as part of a federal project to restore historic train stations.
The project calls for restoring the depot to its appearance in 1948 as much as possible, along with adding some modern improvements such as repairing plumbing and heating and ventilation.
The Southern Pines Town Council would like to find tenants to rent space in the central and northern end of the station that is not used for Amtrak passengers’ waiting room and bathrooms.
Quis said last week that there is no urgency in renting the space.
“We want to have a business or some tenant that will bring people downtown,” he said.
Quis said the town has several months to consider tenant proposals, once all of the work is completed.
The Southern Pines Business Association wants to have the council consider turning the portion not used for a passenger waiting room and bathrooms into a welcome center and museum about the town’s history, which is tied closely to the railroad.
The association board wrote a proposal in November suggesting a space could be used for the its display with a timeline of the area and showing historic buildings, along with maps and brochures about area attractions.
“At this time, visitors to our town have no central place to learn about what is available to them in the way of historic, cultural or shopping experiences,” the proposal says. “Our vision is to create a space that visitors could access and learn about our community.
“The center would provide a glimpse into our past; have maps and brochures available and assist tourists to find shops, restaurants, and other services in this area.”
The train station is centrally located and has served as a point of origin for visitors since it was originally built around the turn of the century, the letter says. The association would like to see this tradition continue.
The association suggested the space used for its display could co-exist with another business, to the benefit of all.
The Association would have to raise money for the project. The board has asked for the town’s consent and support.
