An effort to restore a key part of the history of the City of Kyle began this week as workers started the process of restoring the City’s historic train depot to its original splendor.
The building, originally built in 1917, has played a key role in the history of the City of Kyle. Even before the train depot was built, the railroad was the original reason for establishing the town. In 1880, city founders David Moore and Fergus Kyle deeded 200 acres to the International-Great Northern Railroad with the intention of starting a town, which later became the City of Kyle.
For years the depot was the center of activity for the city and remains a key element as a gateway into the city’s historic downtown and has served as home to the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Being able to see this project underway is a great pleasure for all of us,” said Kyle Johnson, Chairperson for the Kyle Train Depot Committee. “We have been working of this for years, and to see construction finally underway is very exciting.”
The project, which is expected to cost approximately $900,000 is being funded mostly by private donations. The City of Kyle has dedicated $250,000 to the project with another $25,000 coming from a grant for the Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Other Grants and donations in the amount of $80,000 has been received from the Burdine Johnson Foundation and Soliref Inc. has donated $10,000.
“We’ve obviously had some success in raising funds for this project,” said Johnson. “We also have a long way to go. We feel that the restoration of this valuable icon of Kyle’s history should be preserved, and with the generous help of our community and other stakeholders, we will make that happen.”
The entire project is expected to take 10 to 12 months depending on funding. Once the project is completed, the building will be used as a museum commemorating Kyle’s history and will also continue to house the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce.
The architect for the project is Clayton Little Architect, Inc., and the contractor is SpaGlass, Inc.
Interested persons can follow the progress of the project on the Kyle web site at CityofKyle.com. Anyone interested in making donations can contact the City of Kyle at 512-262-3921.