The Springfield City Council discussed maintenance needs for the historic Springfield Depot during a work session on Monday, Jan. 12. The building needs work on its exterior, including its roof, gutters and HVAC.

The Southern Pacific Railroad built the depot in 1891, according to the city of Springfield. At the time it was on South Seventh Street. After Southern Pacific closed operations at the Springfield station, the city bought the building and moved it to 101 South A St. in 1989. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The depot houses the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, which manages the city’s visitor information center. To pay for the repairs, the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget identified transient lodging tax funds, which can be used for tourism-related facilities.

Councilors gave staff the approval to move ahead with an alternative contracting method called “design-build,” which allows the city to procure the services of a design firm and construction contractor under one contract for the repairs.

To use this approach, the council is required to hold a public hearing, which will happen during a future regular meeting. The project will then proceed to a request for proposals, and the council will need to award and approve the contract.

The city says a historic review land use application will ensure that repairs align with the historic character of the depot. Proposed renovations include the building’s roof, gutters, siding, deck, railing and HVAC system. The railcar stationed outside the depot also needs window and door repairs.