HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville City Council approved a municipal order that would provide funds to renovate the L&N Depot in downtown Hopkinsville.
Railmark Holdings, Inc. and Railmark Foundation Ltd. signed a purchase agreement for the unused building in December 2024 for $175,000 after the city declared the building a surplus property. At the May 6 council meeting, councilmembers voted to provide $87,5000 in grant funds to Railmark to be used for renovating the L&N Depot.
City officials determined that the expenditure of the funds would be beneficial to the city, and the collection of occupational license fees and ad valorem tax revenue would equal or exceed the grant investment. The municipal order also details that it is the public policy of the city to encourage, promote, and support economic development, new job formation, and the development and growth of industry and commerce.
Future of station
In their bid letter submitted in October, President and CEO of the Railmark Foundation Allen Brown said they would purchase the building as is. They further detailed the intention to establish a Train Travel Inc. at this location, a rail-centric travel agency and rail attraction operator. It was originally estimated by the city that $3 million in repairs would be required for a full restoration of the depot.
The bid reads, “Railmark’s vision is to create a space where clients, seeking the personalized attention of a full-service travel agency, can visit the historic 1892 depot to discuss their travel plans. Railmark does not intend to alter the building’s current configuration, as it is perfectly suited for this business activity.”
Since the property is listed on the National Historic Registry, any renovations must adhere to guidelines that preserve its architectural integrity.
The company also has the goal of establishing a regional passenger train service, making the facility available as a station stop saying, “As Hopkinsville sits along this route, a functional depot and platform at the historic station would make it a strong candidate for regional rail service. As the U.S. population continues to grow, the establishment of regional passenger train services is inevitable.”
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