With the bid process underway, a step is being gained toward the restoration of the Durant Depot. With the demise of train service for several years, the depot has fallen into disrepair and the Durant Historic Preservation Commission is spearheading the project of restoration.
The City of Durant is advertising for bids for the Historic Durant Depot North Building Renovation. The Historic Preservation Commission started the project in 2011 and began fund raising. Funds have been received from the Mississippi Department of Archives, Mississippi Development Authority and Mississippi Department of Transportation.
The city purchased the depot from CN Railway in 2009 and began the effort to fund the renovation. The structure was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 2010 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 2016. These credintials have led in the process of qualifying for grants.
Serving as chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission is Sharon Cauthen. Vice chairman is Geraldine Sturgis. Other members are Robert Johnson, Amos Hightower, Charlie Irby, Dot Blanton, Linda McDonald, Charlie Mae Campbell, Betty Bankhead and Mayor Tasha Davis.
Planning efforts are directed by Belinda Stewart Architects of Eupora.
According to the plans, renovations will include retaining the red tile roof with a process of removal, rebuilding and reinstalling the tiles. The interior of the north building will be repaired and refurbished so that the waiting room will be suitable for an educational space such as the Durant Children’s Center. A central office will be converted into a multi-purpose meeting room.
Upon renovation as a public service facility over a period time, the Durant Depot will be prepared as a location for family and community activities.
Residents of Durant and Holmes County remember many ways that Illinois Central Railroad and the Durant Depot improved their lives. At one time about 200 families in Durant depended on ICRR paychecks and benefits such as travel passes and assistance in emergencies.
With improved highways and increased production of cars and trucks, passenger traffic decreased and the growth of freight business slowed, leading to the demise of rail service. In 1981, the ICC abandoned the line from Durant to Kosciusko. AmTrak passenger trains were moved to the Delta Route in 1995. In 2009, CN Railway sold the Memphis to Canton line to Grenada Railway. In 2011, the segment between Grenada and Canton was put out of service. In 2015, Grenada Railway ownership was purchased by North Central Missisippi Regional Rail Authority and leased for a term of 15 years to Illinois Company Railraod, a subisdiary of Iowa Pacific Holdings.
Recently the new operators have reopened the line through Durant for rail car storage. Area developers hope that freight business will return to the line from Canton through Durant to Memphis.
