After many years of planning by the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) Roanoke Chapter, the Friends of the Virginian Railway, and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, the Virginian Railway Passenger Station restoration was completed in July 2016.
On the night of January 29, 2001 – 45 years to the day after the last passenger train departed – the station was severely damaged in a fire. Just weeks after the fire, a committee comprised of volunteers from various local groups met to discuss the restoration of the station. The Norfolk Southern Corporation donated the station to NRHS, and with the assistance of the committee, approximately $2.3 million was raised for the project that commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony in 2012. The project to restore the historic station commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony in 2012.
Located at 1402 South Jefferson Street, S.E and now restored to its original 1909 appearance, today the smaller baggage and express building houses the office of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historic Society and a museum dedicated to exhibits about the Virginian Railway and its employees. The larger passenger station building is available for rent as an event venue which helps provide a steady stream of income for the continued stewardship of both buildings and the site.
For information about renting the Virginian Railway Station for an event, contact Jim Schall of Schall’s Catering by calling 540-556-5699.
Click here to download a complete history of the Virginian Railway station history and restoration
News Articles:
$2 Million Restoration of Historic Train Station Complete (WSLS)
Group Completes Restoration of the Old Virginia Railway Station (WDBJ7)
Still Standing: Railway Society Restores Passenger Station, Honors Former Employees (Roanoke Times)
Virginian Railway Station Becomes Event Venue (WSLS)