Tehachapi News

Depot Fire: Architectural plans under review for rebuilding Tehachapi Depot

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The architectural and engineering plans for rebuilding the historic 1904 Tehachapi Depot that burned to the ground June 13 are almost complete.

Based on the original floor plan from the archives at the Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the recreated building will occupy the exact same footprint on the Tehachapi Boulevard site, and to all but the most observant eye will be identical to the original structure.

Great attention has been paid to maintaining the original details of the Victorian era exterior and interior. This attention to detail was greatly aided by the many photographs taken by Nick Smirnoff and others during the renovation of the structure that burned. Much of the ongoing research and prep work to the original structure had taken place through the efforts of Friends of the Tehachapi Depot, a non-profit group under the leadership of Doug Pickard, then president of the depot group.

Construction on the renovation was nearly finished before the fire. It was under the supervision of Mike Pera, who heads up the construction crew for the City of Tehachapi. With Pera and his crew’s intimate knowledge of the original historic building, the new plans overcome challenges brought by current building codes and modern materials. As a benefit to the public, modern safety features have been incorporated and the completed building will comply with rules governing access for the disabled.

After several minor adjustments from last week's plan review, the final plan will be completed and the project will go out to bid. If all goes as planned, a ground-breaking ceremony will be held, with construction possibly starting as soon as late April. The goal is have the ribbon cutting ceremony in late summer or early fall of this year.

Construction will be paid by the insurance settlement that the city has negotiated with the insurance company that covered the building for fire protection. A large advance has already been received by the city.

“The insurance company has been great to work with,” said city manager Greg Garrett. “Since our coverage was for replacement value, they know that they will be required to pay for all construction and materials to complete the Depot.”

The city has received several donations, and additional fundraising has been undertaken for the completion of the depot and museum by a committee using the slogan “Back On Track.” For more information you can visit the website tehachapidepot.com.

Once completed, the depot will house a Railroad Museum to showcase the Stokoe Collection of over 300 artifacts collected by Tehachapi railroad man Bill Stokoe.

Other items and artifacts donated by individuals will also be exhibited. The Railroad Museum is being designed by Charles White with the assistance of FOTD, the Tehachapi Heritage League and other volunteers. Current FOTD president Fred Motter and members of FOTD will be operating the museum once completed and are seeking docents and other volunteers.

The site on which the depot is located will be landscaped to feature large antique railroad signals, part of the Stokoe Collection. Public restroom facilities in the architectural style of the depot are already complete at the west end of the park and will be opened at a future date. A viewing deck attached to the depot will allow visitors to watch passing trains.

In addition to housing displays, the large freight room on the west end will have open space to host small meetings, lectures and other functions. The former passenger waiting room at the east end of the building will serve as the office for Main Street Tehachapi, the non-profit group that coordinates downtown events and redevelopment projects.

While the effort started three decades ago for the completion of this vital part of the Downtown Tehachapi historic core, it seems the Depot is “Back On Track” to become a reality in this, the Centennial year of the signing of Tehachapi's City Charter.