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From: jdent1 AT optonline DOT net
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 17:11:22 -0500
Subject: Eugene, OR
"eugtrain.jpg" - image/pjpeg, 5951 bytes, 175x131 (24bit)

By KVAL 13 News

November 18, 2003

Eugene Train Rehab Project Gains Steam
By Jodi Unruh

Downtown Eugene -
It's been a long time in the making. Now, the rehabilitation of the train depot in Downtown Eugene is catching steam. City officials held a public hearing Tuesday night to lay out their vision for the historic structure.

The project is definitely on track since the city purchased the train depot last June.

Crews will move the historic bunker that was built in the late 1800s to the west side of the depot on Wednesday.

The Amtrak station will then move into a temporary structure next to the station next month until the depot rehab project is completed next October.

The first phase will include expanding the lobby with new, but historically accurate lighting and benches. Crews will also recondition finishes and details throughout the building. "Here is a view of some of the old arches. I don't think you can really see the curve on the ceiling and so forth. So, we plan to open that up so it's all open," said Russ Mecredy, the project Manager.

Self-described railroad junkie, David Kleger was one of the citizens to attend the public hearing Tuesday night. He says the project will definitely restore and preserve the beauty of the historic 1908 depot. "It's really was a very elegant building when it was first built, and it has all the potential to be a very handsome building contribution to the architectural and cultural values of our community," he declared.

The historic bunker will eventually serve as a storage area for use by Amtrak crew members.

The depot rehab project will cost $4.5 million. U.S Rep. Peter Defazio secured more than $3.0 million of those funds from the federal government.

Mecredy said the city has a 20-year plan for the project. The city plans to eventually add some additions to the site that include a public plaza area as a civic destination, and a pedestrian crossing over the tracks for access to future development and Skinner Butte Park.

Amtrak will continue normal operations during this rehab project.





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