N.E.O.N.

Plans taking shape for Depot Museum

Jul 13, 1999

Our vision of the future Depot/Museum has become more defined in the past few months. The Society commissioned artist's renderings depicting the North and South galleries of the Museum, which were included in a grant application to the Colorado Historical Fund, submitted April 1 (see "Society Vies for $100,000 Grant").
The area east of the Depot has undergone a tremendous transformation in the past three months, and it can now be referred to as "the grassy area". Particular thanks are due to Jerrel Black and David Lee of Englewood Parks and Recreation, who have worked tirelessly with the Society in designing the landscaping.
The transformation began when the old garage was demolished and the contents relocated. The entire site was graded, a sprinkler system installed, and sod was laid. A new split rail fence now surrounds the area. Just to the south across Dartmouth in Cushing Park, the tile roofed bus shelter which once stood in front of Swedish Hospital has been re-erected. Additional landscaping is being added to Cushing Park along the creek and work is proceeding on a new playground. The curving Inca Street extension and bike path, which will provide access to the redevelopment at City Center, are essentially complete. As the entire area is transformed, the prospect of the completion of the Depot/Museum on the site becomes ever more exciting.
Less visible, but no less important, the Society has had the sewer line to the site repaired, and the sewer hook-up completed for the Depot. Our architect, Dana Rickli, is working on interior plans. The estimated cost to complete the interior and exterior renovation of both the upper and lower levels is $550,000. The Society is actively seeking donations to help us in reaching this goal.
The Museum will provide an exciting and entertaining place to explore the rich history of Englewood, the Front Range, and the High Plains of Colorado. Visitors will be able to learn of the significance of this area and its role in the social, cultural, and industrial history of Colorado. More than 2,000 items have already been catalogued for future display. A computer workstation and internet site will be included in the museum to allow searching by subject, area, and time-frame. People will be able to view manuscripts, rare documents, photographs, and other "primary source" documents via the computer.