Denver South Park and Pacific Historical Society
 

Pictured below are exterior photos of the life of the Buena Vista Depot beginning in its original location and continuing to its present place in the history of this little railroad.

Here are some photos showing just a part of the interior as it was after the fire, and during the restoration.  Click here for a view of this progress.

Here is a quick look at the painting and wall finishing of the interior as the project neared completion.  It looks a bit bare before the furnishings and displays are in place, but this is almost the final step before it is "Open For Business!" 

The restored depot opened to the public. Refer to the depot web site for season and hours.

 

Buena Vista Depot

Buena Vista Denver, Leadville & Gunnison depot still at its original place on the eastern edge of town.  It appears to be near the end of its life as a working depot.

 

The back of the original depot with some C&S cars visible.

 

One day in 1927 the depot was moved from its original location to eventually become the office of the Woodland Brook Cabins.  It served several other functions during its life as well.  Local character Leonard Perschbacher rides the roof.

 

76 years later the depot travels once again through the streets of Buena Vista, this time to its final resting place.  June 13, 2003 was the date and it seemed like the whole town turned out to watch the event.

 

Crew prepares to lift the depot and swing it onto its new foundation.  Some of the fire damage that made the building available to the Buena Vista Heritage is visible.

Headed towards its new foundation.

 

Ready for work to start as soon as the grants from the State Historical Society comes through. Still lots of clean up work to do both inside and out by Society members.

 

Finally, a new roof, windows and doors returned to their original locations, chimneys repaired and replaced and siding replaced where needed.  As much original structure was retained as was possible.

 

 

Nearing completion, Mike Perschbacher, great nephew of Leonard Pershbacher shown in the third photo, fits boards for the freight deck.  This will be strong enough to handle any traffic.

 

Artistic eave supports at both ends and over the bay window on this simple wooden depot.  Quite possibly one of the more carefully constructed and ornamental of the early style wooden railroad depots.

Depot as of July 5, 2008.  Exterior restoration complete with only the trim paint to add.  Soon with come the interior work. This interior work should be completed by the end of summer, 2010.

North end of the depot with the freight door installed.  Wheel chair ramp is added to the dock so everyone can enjoy this beautiful building.