About Us
Our 1929 Spanish style Northern Pacific Railroad depot was under threat of demolition after being declared surplus by BNSF Railway in 2014. Through the efforts of a great many supporters, and thanks to BNSF Railway's willingness to allow time to develop an alternative, it has now (in December 2020) been relocated from railroad property to a new location in downtown Cheney. The Cheney Depot Society continues to work to rehabilitate this unique structure, giving Cheney’s history a new life.
Why Save Our Station?
- For nearly one hundred years the railroad station served as the gateway to our city.
- There is no other depot like this one, anywhere. The depot is something iconic and uniquely Cheney.
- Its layout is versatile, it can easily serve contemporary uses.
- Saving the building is a green investment. Let’s not waste the labor of those local men and the materials that went into the building.
- It makes dollar sense to re-use rather than demolish and build new.
Who We Are
We are a group of citizens who have come together to save this unique and special depot to be used and remembered by new generations.
Our Partners
Helping us through their participation, advice, and collaboration are:
- Eastern Washington University
- City of Cheney
- Southwest Spokane County Historical Society
- Sunshine Partners - a local development group
- Spokane Preservation Advocates, through a $5,000 Heritage Grant and hands-on assistance from the 'Doing It' Committee
- Northern Pacific Railway Heritage Association
- BNSF Foundation
- Avista Foundation - through a $50,000 grant for interior and exterior improvements
- Washington State Historical Society through a $366,000 Heritage Capital Projects grant in the 2019-2020 biennium, and an additional $305,000 Heritage Capital Projects grant in the 2021-2022 biennium
Endorsements
Others who see the depot as a significant asset for our community and a worthwhile project:
- Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
- Cheney Historic Preservation Commission
- City of Cheney
- Over 200 community members who have donated to support the relocation and rehabilitation of the depot
Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners!
The Cheney community has rallied around this project, and we deeply appreciate the donations, large and small, from over 250 donors. Thank you for being part of this effort to 'make history' in downtown Cheney!
Contact Us
Cheney Depot Society
1921 1st St., PMB 140
Cheney, WA 99004
Contact Information
cheneydepot@gmail.com
Cheney Depot Society
1921 1st St., PMB 140
Cheney, WA 99004
Contact Information
cheneydepot@gmail.com
