Train station project helps to promote Smyrna downtown revitalization effo
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By Christopher Merchant
The Daily News Journal, June 8, 2014
SMYRNA — The train depot between Front Street and South Lowry Street has been a common sight for Smyrna residents for decades, but community organizers said they want it to become a hub of activity again.
The historic depot was renovated as part of the town’s downtown rejuvenation project, and dedication ceremony for the landmark station is scheduled from 5 to10 p.m. Friday at the site.
In addition to an open house at the depot to showcase recent improvements, attendees will also be able to purchase food, drink and crafts from local vendors, according to promotional material.
“This revitalization is great for everyone in the town whether they come here or not,” said Ron Alley, owner of Carpe Cafe near the depot.
Ron Alley, owner of Carpe Cafe in Smyrna, May 30 talks about what the renovation of the historic train depot will mean to downtown Smyrna. JOHN A. GILLIS/DNJ
Alley was one of the organizers of the dedication ceremony. “It’s a pride thing. This is a place of history.”
The depot will now serve as the home of Smyrna’s new farmers market, which will be every other Saturday beginning the morning after the ribbon-cutting, Alley said.
Additionally, the space will be available for rent for events through Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department. Rental prices have not yet been finalized, according to an employee with the department.
Bringing the depot back to the glory of days past was an objective of the Smyrna Town Council, said Mayor Mary Esther Reed. When Harry Gill began his role as town manager, Reed and the rest of the council expressed their desire to see the entire downtown area become a destination for businesses and the community, Gill formed a committee to lay out a revitalization plan, and the depot moved to the top of the list. “It had been there forever, and you almost quit noticing it,” Reed said. “Hopefully, it’s going to be more like it was years ago — more businesses, more foot traffic (and) more restaurants. That’s our ultimate goal.”
Renovations were spearheaded by Team Depot, Home Depot’s internal volunteer organization and Smyrna Ready Mix. The organization built toilets in the depot, installed fixtures including toilets and sinks, installed ceiling fans and painted the interior of the building, said Lillian Jones, a sales associate with Home Depot who led the project. The work was valued at approximately $5,000, Jones said. Outside, new sidewalks were poured by Smyrna Ready Mix, concrete and labor totaling over $5,000, and park benches were arranged around the perimeter of the building.
“It amazing that we’re going to be able to utilize that train depot that’s just been sitting there,” Jones said. “It’s good to see something that old brought back to life.”
The inside of the historic train depot in Smyrna has been under renovation. JOHN A. GILLIS/DNJ
The Depot was used as an art gallery during the most recent Depot Days by Carpe Artista, Alley’s nonprofit organization that is unofficially headquartered at Carpe Cafe.
Alley,who is on the Lowry revitalization committee, said the depot will continue to be used for public events in addition to being available for rent for private gatherings.
Christopher Merchant can be contacted at [email protected] and 615-278-5109. Follow him on Twitter@c_merchant.