In the News

From the Columbia Daily Herald December 5, 2008 also published in “Historic Maury”

It’s possible that before this time next year a Columbia landmark once known as the Columbia Union Station will be restored to look as it did when it was first completed in 1905.

“If all goes well, we expect to have the restoration process complete within six to eight months,” said Jerry Hodges of Sliding Rock Management, the Columbia firm that is serving as the design/builder for the project.

Hodges said workers already are doing maintenance on the building to prevent water damage to its interior.

“The building is now undergoing the re-roofing process, and windows are being put in place to ensure it stays dry inside,” he said.

Hodges’ team is taking the building’s dimensions to determine what work will be required to bring the building up to code. The new owners, Columbia Station LLC, will submit a request to the city planning commission to rezone the property from industrial to multi-use next week.

Should the rezoning request be approved, the building would be available for commercial use. Once zoning has been approved, plans will be submitted for the needed changes in the building.

“I don’t foresee any problem with that happening,” said David Holderfield, Columbia grants and planning director. “I think it would be very good for the city.”

Hodges said no discussions have taken place with any possible tenants, but if the zoning change is approved, the new owners would consider leasing out space for a restaurant, store or offices. He expects the third floor will be used as a conference or meeting room.

Hodges said he was excited about the restoration of the more than century-old train station to its original state.

Maury County Archives Director Bob Duncan said the depot was Columbia’s most endangered landmark, and he is delighted to see the building being restored.

 

THE COLUMBIA JOURNAL, May 30, 1900

CITY HALL.

An Ordinance to regulate the movements of passenger trains across High Street, and to limit the time such trains shall be allowed to stand upon, or obstruct passage along said street, and, repeal an ordinance passed December 31, 1886, Entitled an Ordinance to prevent railroads from obstructing the streets, so far as the same conflicts with this Ordinance.

PREAMBLE.

WHEREAS, The Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company, lessee of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad, proposes to construct on its property at the junction of High Street and the line of said railroad, west of said street, and immediately north of the tracks of said road, a new and commodious passenger depot, for the convenience and comfort of the public; and

WHEREAS, In order to receive and deliver passengers and baggage and express matter at said proposed depot, it will be necessary to temporarily obstruct said street with the trains of said railroad; and

WHEREAS, The construction of said depot is a matter greatly to be desired. Therefore be it Ordained by the Board of Mayor and Alderman of the city of Columbia:

SECTION l. That all passenger trains hauling or delivering passengers, baggage and express matter to and at said proposed depot, or whilst receiving passengers, baggage and express matter thereat. shall be allowed to occupy High street with their cars and engines for a reasonable length of time while so engaged, but not to exceed ten minutes at any one time.

SEC. 2. Be it further ordained, that if those in charge of said trains shall allow the same to remain upon said street an unreasonable time when not engaged as specified in section one of this ordinance, or exceeding ten minutes, they shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than five dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense.

SEC. 3. Be it further ordained, that so much of an ordinance passed December 31st, 1886, entitled “An ordinance to prevent railroads from obstructing the free passage of streets” as conflicts with the provisions of this ordinance be repealed.

SEC. 4. Be it further ordained that this ordinance take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the city requiring it.

Passed and approved May 3rd, 1900.

W.D. CAMERON, Mayor.

Attest: E.E. ER WIN, Recorder.