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DSMRC Names 2009 Most Endangered Buildings!

A former Iowa governor’s home and one of Des Moines’ last remaining railroad depots are among those named to the Des Moines Rehabber’s Club “Seven Most Endangered Buildings” for 2009. View the complete list and feel free to leave your comments.

Former Railroad Depot

By RenovateDSM - Posted on September 28th, 2009
Categories:
Historic Photo of the Railroad Depot
Endangered Building Information
Endangered Building Address: 
120 East 5th
Describe the current condition of the building: 
Poor. The depot was constructed of tan brick with stone trim and distinctive “Dutch” gables. The depot shows obvious signs of neglect and is barely visible behind tremendous overgrowth. Most of the original openings are closed up. It is now connected to adjacent concrete block Butler building.
Why is this building worth saving?: 
In 1983, the property was registered with the Iowa Site Inventory from the State Historic Preservation Office. Barbara Beving Long prepared the Inventory sheet with this information: “The structure is one of two known passenger depots still standing in Des Moines and the only one on the east side. According to railroad buff Ronald Sims, it was built for the Iowa Falls and Northern Railroad, although it may have been the Wabash depot. A 1909 map, however, shows a Des Moines Union Railway Depot on the site.
AttachmentSize
Former Railroad Depot - Current.jpg24.85 KB
‹ Window Lintel DetailupDutch Gable Detail ›

Current photos

Submitted by DsMhistory on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 14:42.

Current photos of the East Union Depot, showing how it has been neglected and the brush growth are on the main DM Rehabbers Club facebook page.

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