An architect who gave his opinion about the McComb railroad depot during the previous work session of the city board said he believed his letter was misrepresented in the meeting and in subsequent media coverage.
In a letter to the city, Steve Cox said that after looking over the building two times, he believed there was still some salvageable pieces, including the southernmost part of the building. But he said time was running out to do something about it.
“This is my second time to scrutinize the damage to the Depot, and it is my opinion that the salvage value of the existing walls is rapidly diminishing due to the enormous quantities of rain we have had over the past weeks and the limited protection afforded by the remaining remnant of roof,” he wrote the city.
“No doubt, funding and plans for restoration will not be accomplished quickly, and the deterioration of what remains will continue and accelerate.
“Therefore, it is my opinion that the City is best served if we complete the demolition down to the foundation/slab. I would recommend salvaging existing doors and windows where feasible, and other elements that are unique to the building.”
The letter comes after the city formed a committee with railroad museum volunteers to move forward with the restoration of the building, which was burned down May 30 due to arson.
The museums artifacts are now in an undisclosed climate-controlled storage space and being restored for when the museum can reopen.
Meanwhile, Amtrak is still making daily stops in the city, but is not using the building, which was been cordoned off by the city’s insurance company.
Cox said in the letter he also recommended moving forward with reconstruction in a way that replicates the original design but with an updated layout.
He also recommended reusing salvable parts, but if the city does not move quickly enough it may lose those as well.
Cox said it was not easy to make the recommendation, but without some intervention soon, it might be the city’s only option.
“It breaks my heart to make the recommendation to tear it down, but, unless there is a flood of money soon from some heretofore unknown source, then it will be many months before funding is acquired, drawings and specifications prepared, bids taken and construction initiated,” he said.
“In the meantime, what is salvageable — such as doors, windows, etc. — will probably be ruined by then.”
