Many small Midwestern towns have historic but derelict train stations on long unused rail lines. The station and tracks tend to be poorly located in the towns because the commercial centers have moved since the stations were originally built. Today, if they exist at all, the old depots are disconnected urban fragments.

This proposal, conceived of and designed by James B Guthrie, AIA of the Miletus Group, illustrates how they can be transformed to become assets that weave a town back together.

In this design, the historic train station is relocated, placed alongside a second set of abandoned tracks in a central location next to Main Street. The restored depot becomes a gateway to the town and the central business district. The station houses retail shops, a cafe and a railroad and history museum. Restored rolling stock is placed on the tracks next to the station as part of the new train museum. The old rail lines and railroad right-of-way become a linear park, pedestrian and bike trail that connects to similar trails in the region. The station serves as a trail head.

I made these renderings with James to illustrate the possibilities of this concept:

.connecting currently fragmented parts of the town
.connecting the town to its history
.creating a gateway to the town
.creating a center for community activity with the permanent shops and museum as well as events such as farmers’ markets and performances.