In case any N&W fans have not heard, the former N&W passenger station at Portsmouth, Ohio will be razed very soon after being sold last year to the Scioto County Commisioners for the purpose of constructing a new sheriff's department and county jail. Bidding for the contract to demolish the 1931 structure was announced this week, with demolition scheduled sometime in March. If you're in Southern Ohio the next couple weeks, get your last pictures!
JD112, Welcome to TrainBoard!! I can't believe that nobody wants to move the sation or restore it Harold
Moving the building would be impossible since it's 3+ stories tall (not counting 2 attic floors) plus a full basement. Constructed of brick and stone, building is nearly 170 feet long and 50 foot wide. NS had used the building for signal & communication offices over past several years but wanted out of there- and made no secret about it. In need of heavy repairs due to a leaky roof, it would cost in the millions to fully restore it. There never was an elevator in it which would have to be put in, plus several walls and ceilings are falling in due to the extensive water damage. Handfuls of people had written local newspapers trying to save it, but all this was done after the agreement to sell it had been reached. Considering these groups (more like individuals since no group was ever formed) had no viable plan, and even less money, it's probably best to let the old girl come down. Having practically grown up there in the 1970's (my father was an N&W dispatcher in the building) I'm as sad as anyone over it coming down. However I'd rather see it demolished then left vacant for years with broken windows and a place for drug dealers to hang out.
As a depot fan, I'm always saddened to learn that another one will soon fall. Too late, many communities awaken to the historical value. There are communities that after the fact, are now building replicas to replace the original. Now there's a waste! Boxcab E50
I see what Jim means now..... he submitted this photo of the station: What a waste of a great station! Harold
Update as of April 6. After delays by bad weather, asbestos removal, contracts signed, etc., demolition should begin on or around April 15. Building has been stripped of anything of value by various sources- even the brass doorknobs on the inside have been taken!
I guess the only thing left to do is get as many pictures as possible so that if anyone wants to model the depot they have something from which to work.
