The "Mayor's Message" is a new website feature that allows the Mayor and Council to provide updates to the community on the activities, projects and programs that are happening in our rapidly growing city. For this first message, I am pleased to announce a partnership between the Anna Area Historical Preservation Society and the City of Anna to relocate and restore Anna’s Original Train Depot.
For many years, the Historical Society has been contemplating a project to restore Anna’s Original Train Depot but did not have a location to display the restored Depot. The new location will be the site of a small ball field known today as Sherley Field. Sherley Field has been a practice field but is not adequately sized for regulation play. Groups that used the field are now able to use Slayter Creek Park that offers better parking, lighting, and regulation size fields.
The goal of the Historical Society is to recreate the Train Depot to reflect its original condition and offer the public a look at Anna’s rich history along the railroad. Future plans for the interior of the Depot include a model train diorama, a model of the original downtown, and historical pictures with explanations. Once moved and restored, the Depot will be open to the public situated just across the railroad tracks from its original location on 4th Street.
The city anticipates Sherley Field will be redeveloped as a historical park that will include improvements and facilities that complement the Original Train Depot and celebrate the history of Anna.
The Historical Society has been the recipient of several grants from Collin County to aid with the expenses associated with the move and restoration. The first grant provided funding for a new roof and another grant will help defray the cost of moving expenses.
The Historical Society has also engaged an architect that has prepared several site development and construction drawings for this endeavor. The image below is a rendering from the architect.
The Train Depot is a unique and authentic part of Anna’s long heritage. I and the rest of City Council are pleased and excited to be a partner in this long awaited projected.
Until Next Month,
Justin Burr, Mayor Pro Tem