Raising The Roof On The Old Train Station

The old train station at the end of Ferry Street is, well, old. The station was originally built in 1877, and though the two-story structure has long since been changed into a one story building, it remains an icon of downtown Martinez.

It has been replaced as a functioning station by the new Amtrak Station to the west, but the building served for the past year as a temporary home for the Martinez Library while the library building was renovated.

Now the plans are to make it a home for the Martinez Historical Society and the Martinez Arts Association. The two groups are currently in discussions on the best way to share space, according to recreation manager Mitch Austin.

Meanwhile, the roof is being replaced, and a new coat of paint will be applied to the building. The money for the project comes from fees charged to developers, Austin said.

“We either replace the roof or experience issues with the exterior,” Austin said.

In terms of its future use, Austin said “we need to do some visioning around that before we can move forward.”