Depot’s new ’do

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A transformation in Minot's Amtrak depot occurred this past summer with renovation of the building's exterior. Now the restoration committee that spearheaded the project is turning its attention to the building's interior.

Dennis Lutz, chairman of the restoration committee, said the committee may be visiting with city officials in the spring to discuss funding options. He said the committee will be searching for available grants and may consider a capital fund drive or other source of revenue.

It's difficult to say when any further renovation might occur, though. The committee had worked for five years to come up with funding to reconstruct the building's exterior.

Two years ago, the city delayed work on the interior after discovering the total price of interior and exterior work together would be in the $750,000 range.

Lutz said the cost of going ahead with the interior now will depend on the scope of the work. The goal won't be to restore the interior to its 1905 appearance because times have changed.

Instead of the current, open design, the original depot had two sections one for men and one for women and children. A dim hallway to the ticket agent booth separated the sections. It's unlikely people would want to see the stiff, wooden benches come back, either.

"But it would be nice to do some things inside that would kind of give the look of the period," Lutz said. Some options include wood wainscoting on the walls and a pressed tin ceiling.

An essential part of any renovation also would be new restrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The total construction cost on the exterior, including engineering and architectural fees, was nearly $440,000. A $290,000 grant from the federal Department of Transportation covered most of the cost, with the remainder coming from the city of Minot. Lutz said the grant was the largest ever given for a railroad depot at the time the federal agency awarded the money to Minot.

A new pitched roof and brick exterior replaced the flat-roofed, stucco design and brought the building, constructed in 1905, closer to its original appearance. The building also has new doors and windows.

"We have had a lot of positive comments," Lutz said. "The people who are interested in trains and architecture and historical buildings they all love it."

The growth of Minot and rising Amtrak ridership makes this a good time to restore the station and improve the first impression of Minot that passengers receive, Lutz said.

For the year ending in September, 42,000 passengers used the Minot station. That's up 11.9 percent from last year. More than 100,000 Amtrak riders each year come through Minot, which is one of the Amtrak stops where passengers can briefly deboard.

Amtrak figures show 131,000 passengers rode the Empire Builder in North Dakota, a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year. Ridership numbers nationally are up and have been increasing for the past six years.