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Historic Lincoln Railway Depot renovation impresses crowd
 

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[December 07, 2017]  LINCOLN - On Tuesday morning the official opening of the newly renovated Lincoln Depot drew a lot of interest from the community. As the doors opened, people gathered shoulder-to-shoulder to see the final product.

The total building renovation is the result of several years of work conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation in conjunction with Amtrak, Union Pacific, and the Federal High Speed Rail Alton to Chicago project.

The money to renovate the 1910 train station was first granted during the Obama administration. The federal funds were awarded to IDOT, who then was responsible for working with Amtrak, Union Pacific, and the city of Lincoln.

All totaled, the project exceeded $4,000,000 with the city of Lincoln being held responsible for only a small fraction of that cost.

The Depot was used for a number of years as a train station. Later it was sold to a private entity who transformed the station into the Depot Restaurant. The Depot operated as a restaurant until the early 2000’s, when it closed permanently and for several years was left abandoned.

The property was purchased by IDOT with an agreement that upon completion of the renovation, ownership would be transferred back to the city of Lincoln. That transfer will be the final step of the project, and Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman is hopeful now that all the work is done the transfer will occur in the very near future.

According to Mayor Goodman no decisions have been made about how the building will be utilized by the city. On Tuesday he said that the city wants to put the property to the best possible use, and will entertain proposals from interested parties who would like to occupy the space. The expectation is that once the building has been turned back over to the city, the city will issue a “Request for Proposal” for those interested parties.

On Tuesday morning, Mayor Goodman welcomed all guests to the dedication and ribbon cutting. In his opening speech he acknowledged the support of the community and downtown businesses who had suffered inconvenience during the reconstruction work.

He noted that the facility was now again two buildings, with the north building being the Amtrak waiting station, and the large south building being for use by the city. He noted that within the renovation project, the building had a new modern interior accented with many original details from the 1910 structure.

He outlined the new changes to the property including a new longer loading platform, parking areas, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping.

He closed saying, “The Lincoln High Speed Rail project and the quality restoration of our historic Depot may now serve as a community icon to showcase the city of Lincoln’s proud past and progressive future.”

Before introducing the first guest speaker Goodman acknowledged those who had supported the project including U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, Governor Bruce Rauner, State Senator Bill Brady, and State Representative Tim Butler. He also recognized local officials asking all members of the Logan County Board and Lincoln City Council on hand to stand and be recognized. He acknowledged the three mayors in addition to himself who have been a part of the project – Keith Snyder, Marty Neitzel, and the late Scott Cooper.

Goodman also recognized Lincoln Building and Safety Officer Wes Woodhall, and mentioned former City Administrator Clay Johnson.

He finally offered special mentions to IDOT for their grant coordination, and to Amtrak, WSP Engineering, Muller and Muller Architects, R.D. Lawrence Construction, and the various sub-contractors involved in the project.

Guest Speakers:

Office of Senator Dick Durbin, Senate Staff Assistant Brad Ruppert

Ruppert noted the project was made possible by the 2009 American Reinvestment Act, which was passed with the goal of restoring old buildings, to get people back to work, and “get places like this up to speed.” He said the goals had been accomplished. He concluded saying, “Congratulations Mayor and people of Lincoln.”

Office of U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, Field Representative Hal Smith

Smith opened saying, “These buildings and these iconic structures in our communities are the places where we send our kids off to college, say hello to friends and neighbors who come to visit us, where we have our homecoming and prom pictures taken from time to time, and welcome the remains of those who have gone before us.”

Smith noted that he had personal memories of the Lincoln Depot including the fact that his uncle was killed in Korea, and the remains were brought home to the Lincoln Depot as the uncle was from Lincoln. He added that he had other family memories of the Depot that were happier occasions.

Smith said that he was honored to be there representing Congressman LaHood. He said that Congressman LaHood would be reading a statement in Washington on Tuesday, recognizing the opening of the Lincoln Depot.

The recognition would include the history of rail in Logan County including the assignment of Lincoln and Logan County as part of a newly planned railway program in the 1800’s which Abraham Lincoln played a large role. The statement would go on to mention the founding of the city of Lincoln, and the christening of the town performed by Abraham Lincoln just a few feet away, as noted by the historical marker at the south end of the property.

LaHood’s presentation to congress would conclude with the following: “Today the depot is again restored to a beautiful landmark in downtown Lincoln, and is crucial to the economy of this community, to the students of Lincoln College and Lincoln Christian University, and to the residents of Logan County. Lincoln and central Illinois rely on these very lines to connect them to communities and commercial markets throughout the Midwest and across America.

“The Lincoln Depot modernizes the previous facility ensuring improved safety and enhanced travel experience including ‘on-time’ performance by Amtrak.”

The reading concluded, “I extend my sincere congratulations to the community on the newly renovated station (the) Lincoln Depot. This renovation will insure the legacy of the Depot and the railway envisioned by Abraham Lincoln as a catalyst for future growth of central Illinois that will carry on for generations to come.
Most sincerely, Darin LaHood, member of Congress.”

Illinois Representative Tim Butler

“We can certainly see what this depot means to the community of Lincoln by all the people who turned out today,” Representative Butler said. He went on to acknowledge the many partners who worked on the project. He recognized former Congressman and United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, whom he said was “here in spirit.” He noted that LaHood was the transportation secretary when the High Speed Rail program started, and that he and LaHood had last been in the Depot together when it was still a restaurant. He said he was sure LaHood was thinking about the Depot on this day and smiling at what had been accomplished. (LaHood retired from his position in 2013.)

Rep Butler noted that the depot was a beautiful facility. He said that he personally uses Amtrak quite a bit, and has now figured out that from his home in Springfield, it will be easier for him to drive to Lincoln to board the train, rather than boarding in Springfield.

Butler also read a proclamation that would be read by Senator Bill Brady before the State Senate on Tuesday.

Illinois Department of Transportation, Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn

Blankenhorn opened by mentioning the food that was being offered in the other room, noting that good food brings in crowds.

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On behalf of Governor Rauner and the entire IDOT team, thank you for having me here today. He expressed appreciation to the city and particularly to the local business owners and citizens who had “put up with the dust” during the reconstruction project.

The new waiting station is located in the Depot’s historic north building that was once the baggage warehouse.

Blankenhorn noted that approximately 22,000 people pass through the Lincoln station each year. He said the new facility was going to enhance the travel experience and give those coming and going a greater appreciation of “what was and what is.”

He noted the renovation of the depot was not just an asset to Amtrak, but would be an asset to the community improving the travel experience and bringing in economic opportunity.

“We need to make more investments like this. I want to do openings like this every week, so that we can show what your taxpayer dollars are really doing to make a difference right here in Lincoln and throughout the state of Illinois.” He concluded saying, “We are really proud of what has happened here, and we hope you are proud of it too.”

Amtrak Senior Director State Government Contracts Michael Franke

Franke began by introducing other members of Amtrak on hand for the dedication and expressed appreciation for the partnership with IDOT.

Franke said that with the formal opening of the Depot and the opening of the Carlinville station next week, this year would mean that every downstate train station on the Alton Lincoln Line is now either new or substantially renovated. He added that the new station in Joliet would open next year, and substantial renovations would be completed at Union Station in Chicago.

He spoke about the new rail locomotives that are being delivered “as we speak” in Illinois. He mentioned upgraded passenger cars, and said that Amtrak travel is up nine percent this year over last year.

Franke also mentioned that 22,000 travelers would have access to this newly renovated, historic building.

WSP USA Design Team, Station Task Manager Carrie Desmond

What makes a place like this special are the memories and the opportunities for the future. This building we are standing in was built in 1911. In 1977 it was turned into a restaurant and banquet hall. Many were skeptical when the Illinois High Speed Rail program was gaining momentum and there was news that a team was going to design plans to renovate and restore this great building site. I remember meeting with residents who told stories of their children being married here. And others were positive that building the platform outside would wreak havoc on traffic downtown. But I have to say, I am so proud of what this team has accomplished with the engineers at WSP and architects at Muller and Muller alongside Lincoln, IDOT, Amtrak, Union Pacific and the Federal Railroad Administration, we have done something truly great here, a once in a century opportunity. I hope you see the opportunity that I do and can cherish the memories here and can be excited about the opportunities to come.”

Project Manager R.D. Lawrence Construction Company Greg Goetz

Goetz began by thanking the city for inviting the company to the ribbon cutting. He noted that it isn’t often the contractor is invited to celebrate the completion of a project, so R.D. Lawrence greatly appreciated that.

Goetz noted that the company has been a part of several historic renovation projects including the Illinois State Capitol building and currently the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. He noted, “This project ranks right up there with those. He noted the display in the other room of the ‘then and now’ of the project and said the transformation was truly remarkable. He added, “This building has the markings to be a focal point for the city and a welcoming place for all who travel and live here.”

With Goetz being the final speaker of the day, Goodman asked all who wished to do so, to join him at the official red ribbon for the cutting ceremony. Those who came forward included a number of city aldermen and officials, the guest speakers, and the two former mayors present along with the current mayor.

The opening ceremony was held in the south end of the building. On the other end, the wide open space that is beautifully remodeled, served as a reception area. Around the parameter of the room were easels with the large “then and now” pictures that had been mentioned earlier by Goetz.

Refreshments include a wide variety of sweets including a cake decorated with a photo image of the depot and cookies that said “Lincoln Depot,” cupcakes, and other sweets. The local eatery Flossie and Delzina’s was in charge of the food, and outsourced some of the sweet treats to other local businesses.

Outside the Depot, landmarks on the grounds have been a part of the Depot for years and respectfully maintained. The markers for the Centennial and Sesquicentennial time capsules are back in place. The watermelon statue marking the spot where Abraham Lincoln christened the city of Lincoln with the juice of a watermelon was carefully protected during the renovation.

And a new landmark has been installed that due to construction over the last few years, few have seen.

 

The granite marker faces the Crabapple tree in the center of the south lawn. The marker reads “This Korean Crabapple was planted in honor of the Logan County Veterans of the Korean War. The marker was placed on the site as an Eagle Scout project for Caleb Meader. The scout visited the Lincoln City Council in March of 2016 and asked permission to place the marker at the tree. He said the tree had been planted to commemorate those who served in the Korean War. But because there was no marker, a lot of people were unaware of this. He wanted to preserve this dedication and make sure that the tree was recognized for its intended purpose for generations to come.

The open house at the Depot continued throughout the morning with many coming to see the amazing restoration of the historic site.

[Nila Smith]

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