Kokomo to Buy Train Depot, Crossings
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe City of Kokomo is slated to acquire the community's last train depot. The proposed deal with the Central Railroad Company of Indianapolis would also include right-of-way for two miles of track. March 24, 2014
News Release
KOKOMO, Ind. – A historic railroad depot and two miles of railroad right-of-way will soon be owned by the City of Kokomo.
The City will purchase the depot and right-of-way from the Central Railroad Company of Indianapolis (CERA) subject to definitive transaction agreements. As part of these agreements, CERA will repair and upgrade its six existing railroad crossings within the city by the end of the year.
“I want to thank CERA for their willingness to assist the City with its trail extension projects,” said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. “This acquisition ensures the preservation and redevelopment of a historic building in the center of the Depot District and will become a hub for the Industrial Heritage Trail's connection to the Nickel Plate Trail.”
The Depot District sits on the north side of what was a bustling center of commerce in the early part of 20th century. It was the site where Kokomo service women and men left and returned home during both World Wars.
The Depot District is now being revitalized by local business owners and private investors. Nearby is the recently opened Residences at Washington Street, a four-story housing complex. An extension of the City's Industrial Heritage Trail runs adjacent to the depot, and restaurants, specialty shops and new apartments are soon to open across the street.
The building was most recently used by CERA for its railroad maintenance operations. The Craftsman style depot, built around 1910, is Kokomo's last remaining train depot, and retains much of its historical integrity including original windows, loading dock doors and platform.
Below are the railroad crossing locations in Kokomo and completion dates for which CERA has agreed to reconstruct and repair by the end of the year.
-Jefferson St., east of Washington St. by May 31st
-Main St., north of Morgan St., by Oct. 31st
-Ohio St., south of Richmond St., by Oct. 31st
-North St. and Main St. intersection, by Oct. 31st
-Morgan St. and Main St. intersection, by Oct. 31st
-U.S. 931, south of E. Havens St. by Dec. 31st
Source: The City of Kokomo