One of Ohio’s largest and most significant surviving railroad depots is poised to get a new lease on life.
The 123 year old building, constructed as a division headquarters for the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad, commonly known as the “Big Four,” has been vacant for the last two decades. It was purchased in the early part of this century by the City of Galion, which has undertaken systematic investment into the property.
Planning has now resulted in action as the first phase of a rejuvenation effort got underway on Friday with the arrival of heavy equipment and material. The entire project will provide Uptowne Galion with a facility for a local transportation company as well as co-working space on the Depot’s second floor.
At Thursday’s meeting of City Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, project architect Joe Weithman presented detailed plans for the renovation. He detailed plans, including the hopeful restoration of the waiting room for meeting and display use. That room features original details, including large stained glass windows.
The project will include the provision of a handicapped-accessible elevator unit.
The Depot Project recently received an $800,000 JobsOhio grant as well as a $200,000 grant from the State of Ohio for extending the platform canopy to the south toward Harding Way East, its original configuration. City contributions to the project continue.
The first phase, now underway, will address utilities and the installation of parking. A PDF with complete first phase plans attached can be read here:
2213-Combined-Bid-Set_11-10-2023Additional photos taken Friday are below.
