HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Work has officially begun on the historic Hopkinsville L&N Depot to create a new train-centered travel hub downtown. A Railmark representative shared that the company will create a headquarters for Train Travel, a train focused travel agency, inside the 100-year-old property.
As construction begins, lights have been installed that will remain on from dusk to dawn to improve visibility and security around the site. Crews are clearing overgrown trees to open up the parking lot and views of the depot, making the area more welcoming and safer for passersby to enjoy, according to Railmark.
Since the property is listed on the National Historic Registry, any renovations must adhere to guidelines that preserve its architectural integrity.
The company 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.