Grand Canyon Depot Rehabilitation Commences

Grand Canyon, AZ - Beginning Wednesday, November 19, 2003, construction workers and equipment will be visible around the Grand Canyon Depot. The structure, built in 1909-1910, is a National Historic Landmark - a distinction enjoyed by a mere 4% of all buildings, structures and sites on the National Historic Register. The building is the only railway depot still in active service in the National Park system, and it is the only log structure still functioning as a depot in the United States. The Grand Canyon Depot is currently vulnerable to fire, and it is threatened by physical deterioration due to the ravages of time, weather, and deferred maintenance. Improvements to be made include the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system, improvements to the existing alarm system for fire, smoke, particulates and carbon monoxide, reconstruction of the retaining wall to the east of the depot, lighting protection, and the demolition of the small outbuilding close to the depot (not an historic structure).

The contractor, Pacific General Incorporated (PGI), will minimize impacts to visitors, the Grand Canyon Railway, Xanterra transportation, and the National Park Service employees who have office space in the building. Tasks that may create noise disturbance for El Tovar patrons will be started at a reasonable time; work will be minimized during the unloading and loading of train passengers; and traffic will not be halted, although occasionally it may be slower than usual. Fencing will be in place to ensure the safety of the visitors and wildlife. The bulk of the work should be complete by the end of December with one portion of the project to occur in the spring of 2004.