MTA Needs To Get Aboard With Historic Train Depot

While the MTA puts the finishing touches on its new Orange Line Busway in the San Fernando Valley, historical preservationists are concerned that their inaction could doom the historic Lankershim Train Depot in North Hollywood, at the terminus of the Orange Line, and across the street from the Metro Red Line subway station.

The depot, built for the Southern Pacific Railway in 1895 is one of but a few remaing intact original Los Angeles train depots. It is one of the oldest structures in the San Fernando Valley.

The MTA had partnered with the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on a $1.3 million plan to restore and preserve the decaying structure. Bureaucratic snafus have held up that project and estimates now put reservation upwards of $2 million.

Preservationists fear that the MTA is not serious about restoration, instead waiting to see what type of commercial development could be brought to the site. There has even been talk about moving the depot to another location. Community leaders are opposed to that suggestion as they feel it would dilute the historical significance of the site and the building. The Los Angeles Conservancy has become actively involved in the issue.

Other communities have demonstrated that historical preservation can spur economic development. The MTA should absolutely explore this possibility, leaving the depot in its current location. Given the eclectic nature of the surrounding NoHo Arts District, this makes sense. One suggestion, by the Metro San Fernando Valley Council, would see a portion of the depot used as an MTA customer service center (currently there is no such facility in the immediate area), leaving the remainder of the depot for commercial development such as a business that could serve bus and train riders or a facility that could serve the local community such as a museum or community meeting room.