25 years ago: Historic North Lawrence depot to remain in place

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Feb. 7, 1990:

Officials from the Union Pacific Railroad today donated the historic depot in North Lawrence to the city of Lawrence. In turn, the city was planning to lease the building to the Save the Depot Task Force, a nonprofit organization hoping to raise funds to renovate the facility and run it as a community center. The donation meant the depot would remain on the same site it had occupied since 1889. The announcement marked a reversal of a previous position held by the railroad, which had insisted that the depot be moved away from the nearby tracks. “This past year, we revisited that decision and determined that the costs of relocating the building presented a real obstacle to saving this structure,” said Ken Packard, a Union Pacific official. “It is our determination that leaving the building in place makes sense for all parties.” In accepting a ceremonial key to the depot, Lawrence Mayor Bob Schumm said, “We sure appreciate everything you’ve done for us. We know you’re going to be proud of this restored facility.” Local officials had agreed to construct an iron fence to separate the depot and grounds from the nearby tracks, still being used by the railroad, alleviating the concerns of Union Pacific. The railroad company had agreed in its turn to remove overhead lines so the building’s original steeple could be rebuilt.