HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – At Thursday night’s Hopkinsville Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor J.R. Knight addressed the future of the historic L&N Railroad Depot, proposing that the city put the property up for bid to attract private investors.
“Everyone loves the depot, trust me I know,” said Knight. The depot, currently owned by the city, is in need of $3 million in repairs and is sitting unused.
Knight said the city has received interest from private investors, contingent on the committee’s approval to declare the depot surplus. As the property is listed on the National Historic Registry, any renovations must adhere to guidelines that preserve its architectural integrity. Although Knight could not disclose the names of the interested parties, he mentioned the potential for a bakery or wine shop. Other prospective buyers, including out-of-state individuals, have suggested turning the depot into office spaces.
“We want to see the depot be repaired and we want to see how it can be done,” Knight emphasized.
The council was asked to approve the designation of the property as surplus, which would allow it to be put up for bid. The council unanimously approved the motion with conditions, including a timeline for construction to prevent the property from being left idle.
Previously, the city allocated over $100,000 in funding for the depot. Should the property be sold, these funds will be returned to council for reallocation.