Just like the little engine that kept on chugging up the hill, the Historic Kirkwood Train Station Foundation keeps moving forward toward its goal of raising $4.6 M to preserve the beloved landmark. The recent award of a $1.5M grant from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments provides a wonderful infusion of energy as the renovation funding gathers steam.
Can you hear that whistle blowing? It’s signaling that big changes are coming, and now is the time to hop on board.
“People were wondering if we were going to be able to secure the funding needed for the renovation,” said Donna Poe, Executive Director of Downtown Kirkwood. “Now that we have the grant, we are really on our way.”
On board to steer the grant application were the city’s Public Services Department and the Historic Kirkwood Train Station Foundation. “It was a great collaboration,” said Art McDonnell, President of the Foundation. “The Foundation was able to provide community perspective and a match of $500,000, so that made the grant application very viable.” Since then, that figure is tracking to be in excess of $768,367 raised through the generosity of so many donors, large and small.
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is administered by East-West Gateway Council of Governments. The program provides federal funding for transportation projects which includes historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities.
Former Councilmember Nancy Luetzow proudly noted that the application received the second-highest score. “What raised our score is that it wasn’t just the city submitting the application,” she said. “The private funding from the Foundation proves the community support and region-wide love behind the renovation and preservation of the train station.”
While the original 1893 limestone building is structurally sound, the station needs repairs and renovations. Repairs will be made to the roof and HVAC, and the windows will be refurbished using the original glazing. But the most notable improvements will be the additional bathrooms, the expanded event space, a renovated outdoor plaza, new landscaping, and fresh paint.
“The Kirkwood Train Station is more than a building,” noted Art. “It’s actually alive. It’s the heart of Downtown Kirkwood. Many communities have abandoned their train stations even though they were so essential to the growth of their community. We value the history of our community.”
This historic icon is arguably the most recognizable thing about our community. The impact of the train station is undeniable not only to our residents but to our region.
“A donation to the Historic Train Station Foundation is an investment into the community,” said Donna. “And it’s a wise investment,” added Nancy. “People want to be connected to this landmark because of the old memories they have and the new memories they can’t wait to make.”
Now is the time to hop on board. We encourage you to participate in the Historic Kirkwood Train Station Foundation’s Go Fund Me page (www.gofundme.com/f/historic-kirkwood-train-station-foundation) or visit the Foundation’s website at www.kirkwoodtrainstationfoundation.org to find multiple ways to make your donation.