Opp depot to be done within 2 months
Published 1:02 am Tuesday, July 11, 2017
- Opp is pursuing grant funding to restore more of its historic structures, like its recently-renovated depot, which is now home to the Chamber of Commerce and serves as a community event center.
Another 45 to 60 days.
That’s how long Opp City Planner Jason Bryan said Monday he expects the restoration of the L&N Depot to take.
“The final sections of the roof (are) going on this week, vents are being installed for the stove, tile is grouted in bathroom floors, soffits were painted this weekend,” he said. “Grounds are rough graded prepping for landscaping. Floors should be cleaned and prepped in the next two weeks. Everything is beginning to come together.”
The countdown to completion is one that has been in the works for at least the last decade.
Several administrations discussed the potential rehab of the iconic depot in the heart of the city of Opportunity.
In 2013, the city was awarded Transportation Alternative Program monies totaling $400,000, with a 20 percent match from the city.
The city then had to jump through many hoops to get the project OK’d by the different channels.
Last July, three members of the then-city council voted against accepting the first rounds of bids.
In December, after the city solicited fresh bids, the new city council approved a $762,500 bid for Paul Catrett Construction.
Work finally began on the L&N Depot at the end of January.
“It is undergoing restoration and renovation after being left vacant for many years,” Mayor Becky Bracke said. “Like so many other buildings of its kind across Alabama, it is being repurposed. It will house historical artifacts, the Chamber of Commerce, and a Welcome Center. Imagine its future as a gathering place for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, town hall meetings, concerts and other events.”
Donations are still being sought, and checks can be made payable to the city of Opp.