Trains haven’t stopped in years at the old Southern Pacific Railroad depot, but the building is about to start bustling. The renovation and restoration construction is ready to begin. The non-profit group Friends of the Orange Depot have set a ground-breaking ceremony for Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m. at the site, Green Avenue at 11th Street in downtown Orange.
Carrie Joiner Woliver, an Orange native, and her husband, Ron, organized the group to raise money to save the depot. The Wolivers bought the depot and donated to the group.
Earlier this year, Carrie Woliver announced enough money has been raised to begin the restoration, which is estimated to cost a total of $600,000. Last week she signed the contracts for the contractor and architect.
The depot group has received grants and large donations, plus smaller donations and even change. The group has sold T-shirts and commemorative bricks. In addition the group has held two sold-out fund-raising parties.
Plans for the depot include having a museum and public meeting room.
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