SAVE OUR STATION

The Hamlet Passenger Depot was built for the Seaboard Airline Railroad in 1900. It is an important landmark in the City of Hamlet and is listed along with many other commercial buildings on Main Street as a contributing structure in the Hamlet National Register Historic District. Because of its history, design, location and distinction, the Hamlet Depot is known nationally. This structure is a superb reminder of the quality and significance of the railway service offered at the turn of the 19th century.

The National Railroad Museum was housed in the Depot but was relocated to a temporary location on Hamlet Avenue in November, 2000 where it will remain in operation until the station has been restored. The museum is operated by local volunteers. Exhibits include historic photographs, documents and maps, equiptment and uniforms, as well as a fully operational model train display complete with a Hamlet Depot replica.

The Depot continues to serve as a passenger station as it has constantly since it opened in 1900, however; it will be closed and a temporary ticket office (which is alrealy in place) will open. Amtrak passengers and their families and friends use the temporary station on a daily basis before and after each arrival and departure until the Hamlet Passenger Depot has been restored.

Despite its current uses, the building continues to decline rapidly and is in desperate need of repairs. Over the years, the Depot has been exposed to nature's elements as well as the natural deterioration that comes when a building is mostly vacant. Many windows have been broken. There is severe water damage to the roof and ceilings. It is crucial that a fire protection / sprinkler system be installed to prevent losing the Depot to fire. Lead-based paint and asbestos abatement must be performed. Other structural improvements will have to be made in order to meet current state codes as well as comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The citizens of Hamlet and Richmond County have joined together in a campaign to save the Depot.

The Depot is currently located north of Main Street, on a tract of land owned by CSX Transportation and surrounded on all sides by active railroad tracks. Because of liability concerns with respect to passengers utilizing a depot building located within a triangle defined by three active tracks and underlying property concerns, CSX indicated that they could not support any project that failed to mitigate those concerns. CSX, NCDOT and the City of Hamlet agreed that it is in the best interest of the community to relocate the Depot just across Main Street from the Northwest quadrant to the Southwest quadrant of the tracks. This move would alleviate safety concerns, locate the building off of railroad right-of-way and on to City-owned property, as well as provide for a more pleasing view of the Depot from Main Street. A vital component of this project will require the relocation of Main Street 130' to the south. The Depot will now be located at the terminus of the downtown commercial core. Entry to the Depot will be safer from vehicles and for pedestrians alike. The Depot will continue to serve passenger rail service on both the North / South and East / West rail routes which will be beneficial when rail service between Charlotte and Wilmington is re-established in the near future.

The proposed improvements include: a complete refinishing of the outside of the Depot in its original colors, a rehabilitation of the entire first floor to house an enlarged National Railroad Museum and expanded facilities for Amtrak passengers, the addition of exit stairs and elevator serving the second floor, new plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

The propopsed relocation of the Depot is a bold and necessary venture to preserve a building of statewide and national distinction. The Depot is the last wood-frame passenger train depot in use in North Carolina.

The total project cost is $5,992,606. The City of Hamlet has received $3,242,900 in Federal and State Transportation Enhancement funds for this project. This still leaves the City of Hamlet $2,749,706 short of the necessary funds to complete this project.

The Save Our Station Project Team - currently comprised active community residents - will kick off its 2000 Fundraising Campaign during July 2000. The group has committed to wholeheartedly support the project through private donations and broad fundraising efforts. Contributions will be used to defray the City's match. The City of Hamlet was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Great American Station Foundation. This was one of 13 grants offered in 2000, out of 42 applicants, and is the first grant offered for a station project in North Carolina.

How can you help? Would you please consider a tax-deductible contribution today? Your financial support is needed to make this project a success and is greatly appreciated! Contributions may be made to the "Save Our Station" Fund c/o City of Hamlet, P.O. Box 1398, Hamlet, NC 28345. If you have any questions or need any additional information you may call Hamlet City Hall at (910) 582-2651. Thank you for supporting this project!

A LETTER FROM THE PROJECT CHAIRMAN!!!

SAVE OUR STATION COMMITTEE!!!

MOVING DAY WITH THE S.O.S. COMMITTEE!!!

A WALK THROUGH THE STATION!!!

EDWARDS MOVING & RIGGING INC.!!!

MAJOR FUNDING SOURCES AND PROJECT COSTS!!!

ONGOING FUNDRAISERS!!!

PICTORIAL UPDATES ON WORK PROGRESS!!!

PROJECT ARCHITECT!!!

GENERAL CONTRACTOR!!!

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