The historic Houston & Texas Central train depot is finally in place at its new home at the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, although some reassembly will be required. Next up will be moving the trains.
The Museum of the American Railroad is dedicated to celebrating the heritage and exploring the future of railroads through historic preservation, research and educational programming.
The venerable H&TC depot has taken on a completely different look in recent weeks. The composite shingles and roof decking had to be removed, along with the original lath dating back to 1900. This work was necessary to achieve an overall height of the structure that did not exceed 18 feet during the move from Fair Park to its new home in Frisco.
Now that the depot has arrived at the Frisco site, the roof will be reconstructed. Each piece of the original roof structure, including lathwork, has been labeled for reassembly in its original location and configuration. The gables, having been left intact, will be lifted into place and repaired as necessary. New decking and shingles will be applied as the final step in the roof reconstruction process.
The depot will be placed on 26 permanent concrete piers drilled to bedrock. Its location has changed from the original site plan. The depot will now be located adjacent to the museum’s shop lead track, just southeast from its original proposed location.
The Museum of the American Railroad is working closely with the Texas Historical Commission to assure the structural and historical integrity of the depot. Its orientation and context is of the highest importance to the museum in order to maintain its landmark status and historical interpretation.
For more information, please visit www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org