By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com
It was quickly evident at Monday’s public meeting that the restoration of the treasured Big four Depot in Galion is near and dear to the hearts of many.
Friends of the Galion Big Four Depot, formed in 2010 to begin the process of restoration. Previous meetings were held and several ideas were put on the table, although no common goal or vision was decided, so the meeting on Monday was meant to narrow down the spectrum.
The meeting was led by Wendy Zucal, Galion’s city consultant for this project, as she welcomed everyone and explaining the goal of the evening.
“We definitely want to engage the community so they can be a part of this process,” Zucal said. “Because people will support what they help create. We want them to be involved in creating this plan. So, we are going to take a vision, the best vision that we can come up with, and there’s been other public meetings. So we will look at all of these and pick the best vision, create a board of trustees, and make a strategy to get the vision that way the city is not doing it alone, it’s a community-wide effort.”
Zucal then asked if Mayor Tom O’Leary to speak to the group of community members.
“What we have done has hired someone who has done this, who runs three museums on a daily basis, has some staff to help us, and hopefully encourage those people a little anxious about stepping forward,” O’Leary said. “Getting that done first, and then the fun part will be thinking about what we want to do with it and really get a common vision.”
O’Leary also emphasized that the project can only succeed if everyone who is passionate about it will step forward and take on a significant role.
Explaining to the audience what needs to be done to settle on one common vision Zucal said, “While I want you to think big, I also want you to think achievable. That this has to be sustainable. It is easy to restore, but it is hard to maintain. And it doesn’t matter how beautiful your depot is if you can’t pay the bills and unlock the door because it will quickly fall back to where it was before you restored it. So these are the things we have to keep in mind. And it is ‘a bucket of cold water,’ but we have to be realistic about this.”
There had been many ideas that the Depot could be used for prior to the meeting. Zucal mentioned some of the ideas that were pondered previously including a visitors’ center, a tavern, a candy shop, offices, and a museum.
The community members were then split off into three groups. Each group had a leader that was a staff member of Zucal’s. The groups were made to throw out many ideas to the leader to jot down. Once everyone had expressed their thoughts, the group was then asked some questions. The list of questions included:
1. What type of business, service, or program would you like to see in Galion that the Depot could house?
2. How can the Depot enhance the quality of life in Galion?
3. What would you want your guests or friends to do when they visit Galion that would include the Depot?
4. Based on one through three, what is your best vision for the Depot?
5. What strategic partners can you identify?
6. How will the project sustain itself after restoration?
Upon concluding the group discussions, all were gathered back together to present their ideas to the mayor. Between the three groups, countless ideas were pondered, but each group found their own common vision.
The first group came up with the sales pitch of “Connect with Galion, Discover Our Greatness.” Their vision was to have a themed museum with a coffee/snack shop. They proposed that the museum have various themes and would be a rotating museum.
The second group suggested that each floor have a different use. Essentially it would be a local hub with potential for commercial/ business uses as well as cultural uses. They also emphasized that no matter what is decided, safety for children needs to be the number one thing to consider since the railroad is close by.
The final group offered the “Destination Station.” The Destination Station would be a multi-purpose visitor center and museum. It would offer multi- purpose rental spaces, yet it would also have a museum as well.
Upon finishing the presentations, the mayor had many suggestions, such as rail tourism, and it was quite clear that he has many ideas that he is zealous about as well. His ultimate vision is to make the Depot a regional transportation distribution area.
The next step for the community is to form a solid group of community members that are willing to help with anything that is needed throughout the entire endeavor. Once that is shaped, a common vision needs to be decided.
“it’s an evolution, this isn’t going to happen overnight,” Zucasl said in wrapping up the evening. “So, we are definitely looking for some champions here that are going to join in with us and continue to the long haul of planning.”
For more information about the project visit the Friends of the Galion Big Four Depot Facebook page or call 419-468-2944.