Union Station - Perseverance Pays Off

Union Station celebrates 100 years

Union Station at Queen & Hancock Street

The badly deteriorated Union Station, a major landmark at Queen and Hancock Street will finally have a new lease on  life thanks to the dedication and perseverance of Governor Perdue, the City, New Bern Preservation Foundation (NBPF), NC Railroad and Norfolk and Southern Railroad. After more than 20 years, a license and lease agreement has been worked out so the NBPF can raise funds and oversee the restoration of Union Station. Reaching this point has taken a great deal of patience, dedication and determination by many, many  people. Beginning in the mid-1980’s, a number of  committees organized by the NBPF for this purpose, were always stymied with the inability to acquire a long term lease (25 to 30 years) that would allow the NBPF and City time to raise the funds needed to restore the building and put it to use.

In the mid to late 1800’s, the expansion of railroads across the country was a catalyst for the growth of many cities. In New Bern, with three railroads serving the New Bern, the City developed as a regional rail center for passenger and freight service. Union Station, an impressive two story brick building was built in 1910.

Although passenger service was eliminated in the late 1980’s, this neglected, deteriorating building has remained a major landmark and is seen as a catalyst , once it is restored, to spur growth and development along that corridor.

The NBPF is providing the initial financial support and will oversee the private arm of this public/private partnership and be responsible for raising the private funds required that exceed the $500,000 which is being contributed by the NC Department of Transportation.  The first^t phase calls for stabilizing the building to include replacement of the damaged roof and exterior walls. Although no City funds will be used for the depot’s restoration, the City’s endorsement via resolution of the restoration project and willingness to sign the lease was key to securing the agreement/partnership with the North Carolina Railroad.

Future plans call for the restoration of the ticket window, waiting room, freight room and restoration of second floor offices. Although a feasibility study has never been completed, the 7,000 square foot interior space could be used as a small railroad museum, meeting space or possibly a restaurant/café.

For more information or to contribute to this project, call 633-6448

Tell us what you think.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director