More changes coming to train depot site

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 18, 2015 2:54 p.m.

During its September 17, 2015 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach Historic District Council gave unanimous, enthusiastic approval to plans for the “reconstruction” of a train platform on the west side of the depot. The roofed platform will be 20 feet wide and 60 feet long—or about two-thirds the length of the original train platform that was removed sometime following the end of passenger train service to Fernandina Beach.

Gil Langley, representing the Tourist Development Council (TDC), which currently leases the depot building from the city, said that work to construct the platform can begin as soon as a contract can been executed. There are three parties underwriting the cost of the project: the city of Fernandina Beach, the Tourist Development Council and the Amelia Island Fernandina Restoration Foundation.

According to the Historic American Buildings Survey conducted in 1974 and digitally available through the Library of Congress’ American Memory Project, the original train platform was 25 feet in depth and 210 feet long. The south end of the platform contained a telegraph office and a baggage office. The design for the reconstruction has reduced the size to keep the platform within city-owned property.

Passenger service to Fernandina stopped by 1938, after which a bus was available to shuttle passengers to the Yulee rail station.

Benjamin Morrison, an intern architect with Cotner Associates, presented the case to the HDC on behalf of the city. He explained that efforts were being made to replicate the materials used on the original platform. Instead of the original asphalt shingles, the platform will now be roofed with wooden shingles, mirroring the original roof. Photographs from the State Archives and the Amelia Island Museum of History have been helpful in the research.

The platform will be at grade level and accessible through the depot itself. Once it is in place, the platform will be able to serve as a shaded space for visitors to rest and enjoy views of the riverfront. The structure also lends itself to use as a performance platform for community events.

Morrison concurred with a city recommendation to allow archaeological supervision of excavations, indicating that his firm would coordinate with local schools in this endeavor.

The entire case file (HDC 2015-13) with all drawings and photos is available through the city’s website fbfl.us.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.