CHENEY, Wash. – The city of Cheney is preparing to open its historic depot in just a couple of weeks, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for the spring.
The entire depot was moved downtown, with its roofed dormer now positioned to avoid direct sunlight.
The original depot, which served passengers from the 1920s to the 1970s, replaced a dilapidated 1880s structure. In 2014, BNSF applied to demolish the building, but Cheney successfully raised funds to save it. A museum in Rearden agreed to return some of the depot’s original artifacts.
Architect Terry Mourning explained the significance of the depot’s new orientation.
“It reaches toward downtown, the historic part of downtown. The front of the building, the dormer, is now facing the street,” said Mourning.
The Cheney Depot Society estimates the restoration cost at more than a million dollars, funded through donations and grants.
Eastern Roasters Coffee will operate at the depot, serving coffee and food items.
The Cheney Historical Museum will rotate exhibits on the railroad, telegraphs and other topics. Musical groups will also perform in the outdoor space.
