DURANT —
Progress is under way toward restoring a landmark building in Durant that has sat in disuse for years.
The Durant Historic Preservation Commission, established by the Durant Board of Aldermen, is seeking to repair and restore the town's train depot.
The committee's first endeavor is to restore Durant's crumbling train depot located on Mulberry Street for future use.
The building, which was erected in 1909, is slated to be studied gauging damage and historical aspects.
Officers elected for the commission are Sharron Cauthen, Chairman, Geraldine Sturgis, Vice-Chairman and Tasha Davis, Secretary. Members, who were appointed by the Durant Board of Aldermen, are Betty Bankhead, Dot Blanton, Charlie Mae Campbell, Amos Hightower, Charlie Irby and Linda McDonald.
With the approval of application for the Certified Local Government Program the committee is able to partner with local officials and state and national preservation resources.
Being declared a CLG community Durant will be made available to funds through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, according to Cauthen.
Years of negligence have left Durant's depot is in a general state of disrepair.
Progress has already been made in raising funds toward the depot's renewal.
"DHPC members worked with a Durant city maintenance crew to collect scrapmetal from the depot and from donations," said Cauthen in a written statement.
The sale of this material has given a boost to funds which will help pay for depot repair materials such as lumber, paint, caulk and sealers.
Cauthen said the scrap metal drive netted around $2,000.
DHPC's first goal is to "stabilize parts of the depot that have been subject to weather damage," said Cauthen.
During the commission's February 2 meeting Cauthen said one of many issues in restoring such a building is that materials and renovations would need to be kept with the period in which the building was constructed.
Committee members hope to follow the leads of other towns in Mississippi that have transformed depots into libraries, museums, meeting space, retail space and restaurants.
"Canton Train Station contains a museum and office space for civic organizations," said Cauthen.
The Casey Jones Museum, a depot that was relocated from Vaughn, Mississippi to West, serves as a welcome center.
Following guidelines in the CLG Grant that will match fifty percent of funds raised, the commission is pursuing local donations.
Volunteer work can also be applied toward the grant with hours worked matched at minimum wage.
A memorial pavement with engraved bricks is in the plans as well.
The engraved bricks are available for purchase in 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 pavers.
For more information about volunteering, donations or the DHPC contact Durant City Clerk Barbara Freman at 662-653-3314.
Local News
Related Photos
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The Durant Historic Preservation Commission hopes to repair and restore the town’s train depot. Mathew Breazeale
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A side view of the Durant train depot is shown here. Matthew Breazeale
Historic commission looks to restore depot
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