The National Railroad Hall of Fame remains focused on building a new multi-million dollar visitors center museum in downtown Galesburg.
Earlier this year, it was determined the price to rehab a vacant downtown building would cost nearly as much as the $7.7 million projection to construct a new facility near the Amtrak Depot.
In February, the city of Galesburg paid for a feasibility study to determine the cost for the National Railroad Hall of Fame to take over the first floor of the vacant former Ferris Moving & Storage building at 465 Mulberry St. Originally a confectionary factory, the building is city owned and for many years was marketed to be a boutique hotel.
According to Interim City Manager Wayne Carl, the projected cost to improve the building so the NRHOF could occupy one floor was $6.5 million. Carl said the cost is high because it includes fixing elements of the entire building. These elements include all windows and doors, structural and life safety issues, new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, masonry repair, a new roof, and a new elevator and shaft.
Julie King, executive director of the National Railroad Hall of Fame, said it’s always been the board’s intention to build a new facility.
“Looking at the cost between using the Ferris building and building new, they really come in very similar,” King said. “The vast majority of our board remains in favor of new construction. I’m sure the board will revisit the issue of old vs. new, but every grant that we have submitted has been based on a new building.”
Carl said it’s likely the city would be willing to make the building available to the NRRHOF if it ultimately decides it wants to locate in the Ferris building, but noted it’s understandable it might prefer a totally new construction option.
Carl added the city is open to any option and is supportive of the NRRHOF.
The NRRHOF recently received $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from Knox County. King said she hopes the county’s support, along with a soon-to-be resumed capital campaign will determine whether or not they locate a facility in Galesburg.
The NRRHOF also has applied for a $478,000 grant from the Tourism Attractions and Festivals program sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The fate of that grant will be determined later this year or in early 2023.
“We’re delighted to get the funding from the Knox County Board,” King said. “I’m just thrilled they showed their support and confidence in the project. We continue to talk to the city about their support. Mayor (Peter) Schwartzman has been very positive about the Hall of Fame.
“With some additional irons we have in the fire, I think we’ll be well-positioned to go back out to the private donor community, both locally and nationally, and say, now’s the time — if we’re going to finish this off, we need to do it now.”
