Leesburg opens Train Depot, first step in revitalization of downtown

LEE CO., GA (WALB) - The restoration of the historic Leesburg Train Depot is finally done and dozens of people came to its opening reception Thursday night. Officials with Leesburg explained this restoration was a long time in the making, 16 years to be exact.

The Train Depot sits in the heart of Leesburg.

The city and county will use this as a visitors center where travelers and residents can enjoy the historic depot that was funded by their SPLOST dollars.

There is so much history to be appreciated in the Depot from the pictures hanging to the walls made from the original wood back when it was used as a bustling transportation hub in the city.

"It was a joint effort between the feds, the state and the locals and gives the community a place where they can go and be proud of. And not to mention the most important thing, it gives us a historical presence and helps us remember the days gone by," said District 152 State Representative Ed Rynders.

The Depot will serve as a visitors center, the chamber of commerce office and also be rented out as a venue for special events.

You can visit it Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Train Depot opening was the first step in the revitalization of downtown Leesburg.

City Manager Bob Alexander said the city revitalization is right on track. They plan to continue to restore and preserve downtown Leesburg.

Renovation of downtown buildings across the street is already underway. In hopes that the new look will attract more local businesses to join in the complex.

"Grow the downtown area to bring pride back to our city and just a lot of things like that that are great for the city of Leesburg," said City Manager Bob Alexander.

Alexander said future plans are to add a caboose to the Train Depot and make it a historic museum.