SANTA FE TRAIN DEPOT RESTORATION, 1870
GIDDINGS, TEXAS
| OWNER | GIDDINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD |
| PROJECT SIZE | 7,500 SQ.FT. |
| COST | $850,000 |
| CONTRACT TYPE | NEGOTIATED |
The history of Giddings Texas has much to do with the influence to the rail road. Giddings was the intersections of two major Santa Fe rail road lines. One line ran east and west and the other north and south. The east and west lines were abandoned in 1985, the north and south lines are still a major route for the rail road.
The original train depot was built in 1870 and functioned as a working office till 1950's. Since that time the building served as farm and ranch feed store. Very little was done to maintain the building and it feel into much needed repair. The Giddings Economic Development Board purchased the building and hired Gaeke Construction to help with the restoration.
The restoration process consisted of, leveling and shoring the existing structure, reconstructing and replacing the roof framing and refinishing all the architectural features. ADA compliance issues were also addressed.
Currently the building is used for public and private events, community functions and railroad museum. The building will also serve as the headquarters for the Rural Texas Tourism Center.
