Greetings,<p>Let me take some time to provide better details relating to this project.<p>First my organization is Heartland Railroad Historical Society. We are a completely volunteer nonprofit organization based out of Omaha, Nebraska. Our mail intake is <br>located at:<br>P.O. Box 501<br>Council Bluffs, IA 51502-0501<p>Our mission is to preserve and restore historic railroad structures in a way that will benefit the public both educationally and economically. My organization was officially formed in May of 1998. Heartland Railroad Historical Society is currently chartered to operate in Iowa and Nebraska.<p>I'm sure some of you have already heard of this project before. We have been devoting most of our time and resources to this project. The structure itself was constructed in 1887 by the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. It sits on the east side of Nebraska City, Nebraska at was is now Business Highway 2 and 1st Street. It remains relatively unmodified since its construction. The building consists of five stalls with a peaked roof. A wooden lean-to addition was added at some point in time. One stall is partitioned off with a wall made from boxcar slats (one can easily see the boxcar data on these). Naturally, operations for the building changed dramatically in the 1950's. It was toward the end of that decade when the building was sold off and the turntable pit filled in (there are conflicting reports that the 65' turntable may still be in place, also the original wood depot is just feet away from the roundhouse now used as a residence).<p>Since that time the building has been in a constant state of decay. The roundhouse suffered a collapse over two stalls that nearly doomed the project in the beginning. Our architect and engineer deemed that the structure is still saveable in it's current form. Current price estimates are $200,000.00 for the complete exterior restoration and an additional $300,000.00 for interior and grounds work.<p>We want to use the structure as a railroad museum contrasting past railroad technology to modern equipment. Additionally, we want to see the building used as the trailhead for the Steamboat Trace bike trail. This trail is over a former CB&Q right of way to Brownville, Nebraska. We would like to rent bicycles to accomodate those that normally do not bring their bikes with them.<p>We have a lot of support for the project. Some of our supporters include Nebraska City, River Country Economic Developement Corporation, and Five Rivers Resource and Developement. Unfortunately, our supporters can only hold back the tide of those that want to see the building demolished. Hence, why we have about a week to make some progress on the project. This leaves very little time, indeed. Our goal is to leave no stones unturned.<p>Thanks,<br>Gerald Kopiasz, President<br>Heartland Railroad Historical Society<br>402-598-6641<p>PS. Bob Yarger, I haven't forgotten to send some updated pictures to you--just busy for the moment.<br>



hrrhs@aol.com

Who is at the root of the current push to demolish the structure and what reasons are they citing? What are their motives for demolition and there alternative plans for the site?<p>Tom<br><br>

Good questions!<p>> <br>There's a few people that don't like the appearance of the building. The pressure has been from individuals calling in citing it as an unsafe eyesore.<p>><br>The structure has been condemned once in the past. As far as I know, the site will be converted into a gravel lot--if that.<p>We have an excellent opportunity here. It would be saddening to see this landmark go, especially all the man/woman hours devoted to it.<p>Thanks,<br>Gerald Kopiasz, President<br>Heartland Railroad Historical Society<br>402-598-6641<p><br>



hrrhs@aol.com

In the late 60s the Canadian Locomotive Companies Buildings in Kingston Ont was raized. The lot to this day is still vacant. To boot the land is prime realestate on lake Erie. This could have made an excelent Museum. Regaurds Barry McClelland <br>



b.mcclelland@n2art.com