Chama Depot Study

[Tim Tennant]

There have recently been some comments and questions about the "Condition Assessment & Preservation Plan" for the Chama Depot . This report was authored by Kells + Craig Architects of Albuquerque. Steven Kells, who recently passed away performed the majority of the work involved in the plan. Steve began his assessment during late summer of 2011. The final report was released December 2011. The cost of the overall plan was approximately $10,000 for which the Friends obtained a grant to cover half that cost. I believe as most would agree, the Chama Depot has been a neglected structure over the course of many years. Having worked in the building for two seasons I can attest to that fact. The "Condition Assessment & Preservation Plan" was assembled as a means to try and address some of those issues and place estimated costs on the improvements. That is the story. The Commission received a copy of this plan as did staff in the Historic Preservation Division's of Colorado and New Mexico.

[Rich Murray]

Tim
Thank you for posting this information.
There have been some ill-informed comments made recently that claim that this survey was done at a cost to the Friends of $250,000 and that we also were using it as a club against Mr. Harper. Knowing the true cost and that the survey was commissioned and started well before Mr. Harper threw his hat in the ring, hopefully will keep the incorrect information posted elsewhere at a minimum.

[Tim Tennant]

Thanks Rich and the $250,000 figure is pretty absurd. Not sure where that came from. The Friends had the grant funding so when I spoke to Steve Kells about the project, he jumped on it in August of 2011. I believe he turned it around pretty quickly.

[John Cole]

Wasn't this BEFORE Harper's HRM took over Tim? The other board is trying to say that we,(the Friends) are using the report to block gutting the depot. I suppose they must have forgotten about SHPO having the final say in the matter on buildings.

[Ted Smith]

Thanks, Tim, for providing the facts about the Chama Depot Assessment study. Let me add that this preservation planning study is a requirement to be successful in obtaining funds to rehabilitate the depot from most funding entities, be they Federal, State or private charitable organizations. Steve's study gives us a sound basis and enhances our opportunities to be successful in acquiring such funding.

We all were very saddened to hear of his passing; he was a true "Friend" of this railroad!



Linda Smith