Depot Society receives grant dollars

CHENEY-The Avista Foundation presented the Cheney Depot Society (CDS) with a check for $25,000 Wednesday morning, April 27. It was the second of two installments to help fund the restoration and preservation of the town's 93-year-old historic train depot.

"We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of the Avista Foundation," said Cheney Depot Society Board President Tom Trulove. "This grant will help ensure interior renovations that are both functional and beautiful for the depot's future tenants and respectful of the building's history."

Avista is among the many who have contributed to the cause.

"Since its formation in late 2016, a combination of personal pledges, stock options, local and state grants, CDS has raised just over $2 million," Sue Beeman, CDS board secretary, said in an April 28 press release. "Approximately $700,000 was donated by the late Dr. Peter Hanson and his family. Dr. Hanson grew up in Cheney and was passionate about the depot's place not only in the town's history but also in its future."

The depot is on the Cheney Register of Historic Places. According to Beeman, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway declared the nearly century-old Spanish architectural style structure surplus property and planned to have it destroyed. But the CDS stepped in and moved to its current location in the summer of 2020.

Avista Foundation Director Kristine Meyer said her group is proud to support CDS and its vision to revitalize the historic depot.

"We are so impressed by the community volunteers who have rallied together to save and restore this unique asset," Meyer said.

There are plans to install a commercial kitchen 2,400 square foot structure, and it will also have indoor seating, a private meeting area and a large covered patio. The CDS is contemplating potential tenants but hasn't decided who will occupy the space.

Avista Regional Business Manager Melanie Rose suggested the facility could be an economic shot in the arm for Cheney.

"We encourage businesses and residents of Cheney and the surrounding areas to get involved and support this effort so the depot can breathe exciting new economic vitality into the community, just as it once did in its proud past," Rose said.

Walker Construction is the general contractor for the project. Work resumed last week, and if all goes as planned, CDS expects the project to be complete in early 2023.

"This project continues to be a labor of love-love for our community. I along with my fellow board members, thank the Avista Foundation and all those who have pledged support and believe in its value," Trulove said. "It's important for people to know we are still fundraising and welcome donations and involvement. We are also interested in what the community would like to see in the depot.

"We look forward to the project completion and the presentation of this unique asset to the citizens who currently live, work and play in Cheney as well as those who have yet to discover all our town has to offer."