By Railfan & Railroad Staff
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Construction of the long-awaited Headwaters Junction project in Fort Wayne, Ind., is expected to begin later this year. On Wednesday, the non-profit group announced that Phase I would include the relocation of a historic Nickel Plate Road depot to the city’s riverfront district. The depot as well as a passenger car will form the core of what officials hope will eventually be an entire railroad-themed museum and event complex.
“After many years of developing the overall vision for Headwaters Junction and winning meaningful public support along the way, we’re excited to finally be in a position to show very visible progress. This Phase I development will compliment Promenade Park and enhance the riverfront experience,” said Executive Director Kelly Lynch.
The depot, constructed in 1879 and originally located on the Nickel Plate in Craigville, Ind., was relocated to New Haven in the late 1970s where it was cared for by Edward Byer and his family. It was acquired by Headwaters Junction in 2018. Restoration of the all-wood structure has been underwritten by the Shields Family Trust. The depot will be accompanied by a vintage rail passenger car, renovated for use as a lounge car that will be available for private events, and for eventual use on tourist railroad excursions and events. The car was built for the U.S. Army in 1953 and later used by Amtrak. It was donated to Headwaters Junction by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc., one of the project’s strategic partners. Renovation of the car has been underwritten by Don and Kathy Steininger.
If everything goes according to plan, Headwaters Junction will eventually feature a roundhouse that will house Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 765.
Site development for Phase I has been made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne’s Riverfront Fund and $15,000 from the Journal Gazette Foundation.
Renovation and restoration of the depot and lounge car are nearing completion, with site construction to begin later this year with completion in 2022. For more information, visit headwatersjunction.com.
