Hamilton’s work to move train depot proceeds

Preparations to relocate the former CSX train depot are expected to begin today.
The CSX train depot relocation will not be delayed after city officials worked out issues with the train company and one of the city's contractors. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/FILE

The CSX train depot relocation will not be delayed after city officials worked out issues with the train company and one of the city's contractors. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/FILE

After a couple of weeks of concern, the relocation of the former CSX train depot on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard won’t be delayed any further.

But when the few-hundred-foot move takes place is not yet set.

The anticipated delay was due to a communication issue between CSX and Coon Restoration, the company charged with bracing the windows and doorways, and removing and preparing to store the historic tin ceiling. The issue surrounded CSX not having insurance documents from Coon Restoration approved in order for them to work inside the building.

Hamilton City Engineer Rich Engle said after meeting with Coon Restoration this past week, crews will start today. Engle said he will go out to the site “to make sure they’re doing what they said they’re going to do.”

Hamilton agreed to purchase the CSX train depot on Martin Luther King Boulevard and relocate it several hundred feet north at Maple and MLK Boulevard. The foundation where the two-building structure will rest has been poured and cured and is ready to accept the building.

The city allocated $2 million to move and restore historic parts of the two structures, including windows, doors, roof, and tin ceiling tiles.

Once the structures are moved onto a new foundation, the building will be put into a “white box” condition where a restaurant, bar, or some other business could complete business-specific interior upgrades and occupy it.

The actual transfer of ownership of the building will happen once the move takes place. Hamilton signed the bill of sale and sent it to CSX on June 20. CSX only recently told Engle they’ll sign it and return it after the move.

There isn’t a set schedule yet as Coon Restoration quoted Engle a two-week timeline to brace the openings and remove the tin roof. Engle will work with Vickers Demolition to get their process started as only the two main buildings will be moved. Engle will alert Wolfe House Building & Movers their services will be needed “in the near future.”

The goal is to have the project, which includes moving the building and braced at the new location, by mid-December, according to Engle during a previous presentation to City Council. If the issues weren’t resolved by the beginning of September, the move to be completed this year was in doubt, Engle said.

Once the structures are moved onto the new foundation, the buildings will be put into a “white box” condition. The idea is to have a restaurant, bar, or some other business make business-specific interior upgrades and occupy it. The city was interested in the former train depot because of its historical significance, as it had hosted visits by several U.S. presidents, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Herbert Hoover, according to the city.

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