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 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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