NORTH HOLLYWOOD - When the Lankershim Train Depot was built in 1896, it was the Southern Pacific Railroad's first rail line in the San Fernando Valley and quickly became the transit hub of this fast-developing area. The depot's history tells the story of the Valley's transformation. What started out as a high-platform station for loading trains with goods and produce from San Fernando Valley farms and packing plants, later became the transportation center for its growing population and the North Hollywood's Pacific Electric Red Car pedestrian station until the line closed in 1952.
The old depot is one of the few remaining wood-frame, 19th century railroad stations in Southern California. With this restored Lankershim Depot, Metro has led the way in preserving a vital part of our transportation heritage.
Metro first began the $3.6 million restoration work in 2010 with the removal of contaminated soils, roofing and lead-based paint throughout the structure, along with the stabilization of the historic exterior woodwork. Over the last year, the 118-year-old structure was given a new building foundation, electric and plumbing systems, platforms, signage and seismic upgrades. Metro contractors have also rehabilitated sidings, eaves, windows and doors.
Metro staff deserves a lot of credit for their work to restore this important station, as does my colleague, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who spearheaded the effort to save it from the beginning.
The Lankershim Depot is now a community jewel and a symbol of what NoHo has become. Soon, the depot will house a new business, bike hub, museum or something else for the neighborhood to enjoy. We'll know more about what's to come in the next few months.
NoHo is a bustling center of art and commerce--a place where you can live well, shop at your favorite boutique, catch a movie, eat an excellent meal, and find any amenity you could ever want. The renovated Lankershim Depot is really going to improve the look of this neighborhood and contribute to its vitality.
It's all very exciting here in NoHo. Transit is improving, our cultural institutions are improving and our quality of life is improving. Metro is making a big difference in our San Fernando Valley. Our work with the community will ensure a bright future for North Hollywood.
Click here to view pictures from last week's celebration of the Lankershim Depot Restoration.