Construction of Holly Springs Town Center continues to forge ahead toward the exciting next chapter for the community. As we’re busy building the future, we’re also taking the opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich history of Holly Springs by reinvigorating and renovating some of the City’s historic structures that sit alongside the new Town Center. Renovations began on the Hardin House earlier this year, and now, work is underway on perhaps the City’s most recognizable landmark – the Holly Springs Train Depot.
Renovation work on the Train Depot will include the addition of new windows in the main meeting area to lighten and brighten the space, replacement of the building’s decking and access ramp as well as a fresh paint job for the iconic exterior. The Depot’s parking lot will also be expanded and new parking lot access from Palm Street will be added. All renovations to the Train Depot have been thoughtfully planned in partnership with Caldwell Cline Architects to ensure that the historical integrity of the treasured building is protected. The Train Depot will be closed for the duration of the work, which is expected to last through September. Upon reopening, the newly refreshed space will be poised to continue as a favorite place for special events and celebrations for years to come, maintaining its place at the very heart of the Holly Springs community as it has since it first opened its doors.
The Train Depot that Holly Springs knows and loves today was first built circa 1910 as the L&N Train Depot, and in many ways is credited with literally putting Holly Springs on the map. The railroad tracks that run alongside it were first laid in 1878 to carry the trains of the Western & Atlantic Railroad laden with serpentine rock, granite, agricultural goods and lumber. The rail line was acquired by the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad in 1902. Soon after, by 1910, the company constructed the Holly Springs Depot. By providing a place to store freight and transfer goods, the Depot rapidly accelerated the growth of Holly Springs as it allowed farmers and miners to ship their goods longer distances faster and expand their customer base. The structure was built in a similar style to other L&N depots, with Folk Victorian architectural elements characterized by the wide roof overhang with its triangular braces and decorative beams. In 1974, the L&N Railroad sold the Depot to the City of Holly Springs for $800, and it served as the City Hall, Mayor’s office and police station until the 1990s. By 1999, the building had fallen into disrepair due to a lack of funds for maintenance, so the City applied for and received a grant from the National Transportation Enhancements Fund. The grant, paired with cash contributions and donated labor from community citizens, allowed the Depot to be restored to its former glory. Since its restoration, the Depot has served as a favorite community location for special events and milestone celebrations, not to mention a recognizable landmark for giving directions around Holly Springs. The Holly Springs Train Depot is one of only two remaining original depots in Cherokee County, an enduring reminder of the railroad’s pivotal role in the birth of the community.
The current renovation work ensures that the Train Depot will continue to greet residents and visitors as they come together at Holly Springs Town Center for years to come. Stay tuned for more details on the ongoing construction work! Make sure to follow Holly Springs Town Center on social media @HollySpringsTownCenter on Instagram and Facebook or @Holly SpringsTC on Twitter to keep up with all the latest updates and progress. Or subscribe to our email list and get updates delivered right to your inbox!