Former D&H station expected to become rail trail visitor’s center; needs an estimated $2M in renovation work
By Mike Lynch
The state plans to formally request proposals in 2024 for renovating the former Saranac Lake train depot, a key hub on the Adirondack Rail Trail, and the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) is planning to make a bid.
The news comes weeks after the state Department of Environmental Conservation closed a request for information about the historic building it owns that is known as the Union Depot. The state hasn’t set specific dates for the proposal period, but told the Explorer about its plans in an email.
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The train depot, which the Delaware and Hudson Railroad built in 1904 and used as a passenger station until 1965, lies about a third of the way on the 34-mile rail trail from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, which is still under construction for the next two years.
The only section that is past the construction phase is the 10-mile section from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake.
The building needs an estimated $2 million in renovations, according to the state. It hasn’t been occupied since 2015, when a rail bike operation and Adirondack Scenic Railroad inhabited it.
ARTA board member Lee Keet anticipates any train depot construction will keep the building shuttered for three years, but he said the site is ”absolutely critical.”
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“We estimate that the rail trail will have 300,000 visitors a year and two thirds of those will access the corridor through Saranac Lake,” Keet said.
The depot has been envisioned to become a station for restrooms and tourism information and services related to the multi-use trail that will be used by snowmobilers, walkers, cyclists and others.
The DEC declined an interview request but did say it received 37 submissions from individuals and organizations during the request for information stage that ended in early November.
“The Adirondack Rail Trail and related Saranac Train Depot project continue to generate significant public interest and the input received during the RFI comment period will help DEC develop proposals for historic preservation and interpretation, and other activities to create a welcoming outdoor experience for all,” DEC said in a statement.
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One group that hopes to play a big role in the future of the building is the ARTA. Keet said it has been in touch with DEC and will be submitting a formal proposal to manage the building.
“ARTA would be responsible for managing the process of identifying and fitting out the interior of the building, subleasing and bringing in concessionaires and bike repair, bike rental, people, picnic tables, all that sort of stuff,” Keet said
ARTA’s proposal would include partnering with the village of Saranac Lake, which would play a role in providing information.
ARTA, the village, and the Cloudsplitter Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit which Keet’s family started, have already formed a coalition and sent the DEC a couple of letters this past fall offering to renovate the property, he said.
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Those letters stated that Cloudsplitter would have provided a bridge loan to ARTA to pay for the $2 million in renovations needed to winterize and modernize the building, then hope to collect the money back through available grants.
DEC responded positively but moved to oversee and fund the renovations itself, Keet said.
The DEC told the Explorer it plans to replace the depot roof in 2024, while additional improvements will be discussed in the request for proposals plan once it’s released.
Saranac Lake Mayor Jimmy Williams acknowledged the station is a key point for the trail and that the village is working to partner with nonprofit groups interested in using it.
“It’s a beautiful depot,” Williams said.
The 3,900-square-foot, single story building was restored by Historic Saranac Lake in 1998. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
I think it’s a shame they tore up the rails and this historic station is just another reason. I ride bicycles and have ridden many rail trails. To tear up rails that were part of a functioning historic railroad isridiculoud. Seld serving people with mo ey win every time
A shame an integral part of the Adirondacks, their development and history has been destroyed, just to pedal some bikes through the woods. Guess there aren’t enough biking trails in NY state. ‘They’ just couldn’t live without part of the 142 mile Utica to Lake Placid railway. And I wonder how many bikers actually ‘see’ the areas through which they’re biking.
Im very interested in replacing the roof!
Im originally from the Adirondacks and roof there in the Summer and Winters in Texas!
I would also be interested in other scopes of the project…
Thank You
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What about all the prisoners in the north country teach them a skill so they take care of themselves upon release.
Happy to hear that it will be be back in action as an attraction to the bike trail. Might also be a fantastic location for a small year round brewery where bikers, hikers, snowmobilers can Stop/Start there rail trail experience. I live in Maryland and Inlet, NY and the C&O Canel in Maryland is a great example of a biking/hiking trail and an economic engine for all the small towns along the trail. Biking enthusiasts regularly refuel after a day of biking and hinking at local stops restaurants and breweries along the 168 mile canel. Might also be a great location to host a “Bikes and Beer” bike event that draws people from all over the country to a fun day of cycling and celebration.
Why a brewery, why not a coffee house/eatery. Contact the owner of Uncommon Grounds in Saratoga Springs, NY he maybe interested.
Isn’t this a violation of the NYS constitution article 14? If you have to tear down Debar Pond lodge w/o a constitutional amendment, why don’t you need one for this.? Alos, was all this extra paving and other work that was done in SL all part of the APA permit they must need to do this trail?
I’ve been reading with interest the current debate over the fate of the Union Depot. I was the community developement director working with Historic Saranac Lake to secure and manage the grants that restored the building originally. Turning it into a depot museum showcased the history of the line and its importance during the days of tuberculosis. What happened to all those interpretive panels that once blanketed the walls? We knew it would be expensive to keep the building open when we finished it and Governor Pataki gave us the money to bring backvthe train. I still have the train whistle from that day. Rail service also wasn’t sustainable once the line couldnot be opened to Utica. Recreation played a huge part in attracting business to the area. So I am excited to see that a rec trail is in the works with an opportunity to have year round rec use. I love the idea of using the depot as a hub. I trust that Lee Keet and his team will find a way. Hope to visit the site again when in the area this Christmas. Best wishes everyone!