Patriot Rail Aids Iowa Depot Restoration
Patriot Rail Aids Iowa Depot Restoration Railfan & Railroad Magazine
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Restoration of Keokuk Union Depot Moves Closer to Completion
By Eric Berger
The historic Keokuk, Iowa, Union Depot is one step closer to completion of its restoration project, thanks to a generous donation of $7,000 from Patriot Rail. Patriot Rail operates the Keokuk Junction Railway, which runs on the former Rock Island tracks adjacent to the building.
Historic Significance
Built in 1891 with Romanesque Revival styling, the Keokuk Union Depot is a unique structure designed by renowned architect John Wellborn Root of Burnham & Root, a prominent architectural firm in 19th-century Chicago.
Keokuk Union Depot Foundation
The donation was announced on August 21 by Janet M. Smith, president of the Keokuk Union Depot Foundation. This non-profit organization was established to facilitate the restoration of the depot after it was acquired by the City of Keokuk in 2011. The depot was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the same year. The foundation has been overseeing the transformation of the depot from a neglected reminder of its past into an open community event center. The first phase of the restoration project, which involved restoring the tile roof and central tower to their original design, was completed in 2018. Currently, work is underway to restore the exterior masonry of the central tower and waiting room sections.
History and Transformation
Despite facing challenges over the years, including a fire in 1937 that caused the loss of 24 feet from its tower and the discontinuation of passenger service in 1967, the Keokuk Union Depot remains an impressive structure. After the railroad was sold to Pioneer Railcorp in 1996, initial restoration work was carried out in the waiting room during the early 1990s. However, it was primarily used for storage purposes. In 2022, Patriot Rail acquired the Pioneer lines, and they have now contributed to the restoration efforts.
Patriot Rail’s Contribution
John Fenton, CEO of Patriot Rail, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the restoration project, stating, “We are thrilled to be a part of helping… to restore this beautiful building.” The donation from Patriot Rail will specifically support the restoration of the waiting room’s interior masonry, marble and tile floor, period lighting, and restroom updates. These renovations are scheduled to begin in 2024.
Janet M. Smith expressed her gratitude towards Patriot Rail’s interest in the historic depot and looks forward to a continued relationship with the railroad company that operates adjacent to the depot.
Learn More
For more information about the restoration project and the Keokuk Union Depot Foundation, please visit keokukuniondepot.org/foundation.html.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
- SDG 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of restored historical buildings or cultural heritage sites (indicator for SDG 11.4)
- Investment in infrastructure restoration projects (indicator for SDG 9.1)
- Number of educational programs or initiatives focused on sustainable development (indicator for SDG 4.7)
4. Table presenting the findings:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage | Number of restored historical buildings or cultural heritage sites |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | Investment in infrastructure restoration projects |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development | Number of educational programs or initiatives focused on sustainable development |
Explanation:
– The restoration of the Keokuk Union Depot is connected to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) as it involves the protection and safeguarding of a historical building, which is a cultural heritage site.
– The restoration project also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) as it aims to develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
– Additionally, the article mentions the Keokuk Union Depot Foundation’s transformation of the building into an open community event center, which implies efforts towards education and promoting sustainable development, linking to SDG 4 (Quality Education).
– The indicators mentioned or implied in the article include the number of restored historical buildings or cultural heritage sites (indicator for SDG 11.4), investment in infrastructure restoration projects (indicator for SDG 9.1), and the number of educational programs or initiatives focused on sustainable development (indicator for SDG 4.7).
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: railfan.com
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