The city of Galion is seeking proposals for its Big Four Depot. The large historic building is empty–though in recent months the depot has been home to art shows, railroad talks and the Lincoln Highway Buy Way event. Mayor Tom O’Leary said there are many reasons for seeking a development team to take over the renovations and use of the depot.
“There has been sincere local interest, but no local investors have come forward in the past year,” said O’Leary, who sees the Big Four Depot as a $2-million project. “We need to agree with the fact that it needs to be adequately financed to begin with.”
“The building needs to be renovated thoroughly,” said O’Leary. “We need a sensible approach to attract the level of investors that have the where-with-all and experience to turn it into an asset.”
O’Leary added that the city decided not to take on the project because of the many opportunities and advantages to private investors including tax incentives and grants for which the city cannot apply. These grants and tax incentives are listed in the proposal document.
Law director Thomas Palmer pointed out one of the best incentives is the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which gives back 25 percent of the renovation cost to the investor. “We want to give the private sector the opportunity for first dibs at making a difference. This is a large scale project. There have been a couple of failed efforts [at renovation] … we can’t afford that again.”
In December 1900 the depot was dedicated and became division headquarters for the Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad: The Big Four. The depot housed the engineering corps, the division superintendent, the trainmaster, as well as the clerks and stenographers. All trains stopped in Galion to change crews, including the New York to St. Louis trains, for which Galion was the only stop between Cleveland and Columbus.
During World War I, 32 trains a day stopped at the depot, including mail trains. Railway express was servicing as many as 20 trains a day into the early 1950’s, when 21 men were employed there. Three presidential candidates stopped at the Big Four Depot during their campaign tours.
Since 1969, the depot has had several owners and businesses housed within its historic walls. In August 2000, the city purchased the building to preserve it and its history.
Eric Kent of the Galion planning and zoning commission wrote the 34-page RFP and proposal specifications are available from the city offices. Contact Nikki Ward, administrative assistant at 419-468-1857 or email nicoleward@ci.galion.oh.us. They can also be downloaded using this link.
Requirements include a site visit, information about the development team, details about the project proposal, funding, timeline for project and terms of purchase of long-term lease desired. The proposal specifics include photos and drawings of the depot, history of the building, ideas for development and potential, and zoning and design review specifics. Also included is an extensive list of preservation based financial incentives [tax credits, government programs and various grants] and non-preservation incentives [business grants and foundations].
Notice of intent to submit proposal should be to the Galion city offices by Oct. 2. Proposal submissions are due Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at 3 p.m. Interviews will be conducted within one month. Negotiation will follow.
