WWVR Phase 1
Rushville Depot Relocation

September 2008 | Depot Punch List

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After many hurdles and turns, the depot relocation is finally complete. Now the depot restoration will begin, during which the Whitewater Valley Railroad team is beginning the restoration process.

Restoring the depot includes replacing damaged studs and finish materials as well as repairing doors, windows and hardware. The first step is to wrap up the exterior of the building to winterize it before the cold comes through.

Much of the existing depot is in reasonable shape, although many studs are either rotten or have been otherwise damaged by wood destryoing insects. During removal of the exterior siding, a few interior wood studs comprised of what appear to be larger scale timbers were discovered. And a recent investigation of the history behind the depot revealed that a train derailed at some point and caused significant damage to the depot, after which time the depot was rebuilt. It's possible that the studs bear historical significance that was previously unknown? These are all exciting components to working with old buildings!

The view from the Dearborn Tower platform (above). The original bay window will require a good amount work to restore its former glory. (below). Notice the semaphore base at the bottom, to which a semaphore (signal pole) will be attached to replicate the correct time period.

The original wall framing was cut away from the floor platform as neatly as possible, and re-attached to the existing walls with anchor bolts as required by code (above). A new roof comprised of trusses was set on the existing building. While not historically accurate, this was the most cost effective method of re-constructing the roof (below).

Two masonry chimneys were re-built in the original locations to allow for wood burning stoves to be attached. The wood ceiling, which was tongue and groove bead board, was salvaged for re-use (above). A basement was built under the depot which houses a sanitary ejector pit and a storm system ejector pit (below). The sanitary and storm ejector system was designed to accomodate the entire master-planned museum. The basement will also have ample room to house stored materials and equipment.

The railing for the exterior basement stairway was designed to mimick the historical railing design while providing code current compliance (above & below). The railing consists of steel balls welded to steel pipe with threaded ends, in lieu of true threaded assembly. The glass is attached to the pipe railing with clips.

The WWVR Rushville Depot and Dearborn Tower as seen from Highway 121 (above).

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