A major improvement project is on the horizon for the area surrounding one of Gordon County’s most cherished historic sites. City of Calhoun officials have announced plans to upgrade the plaza north of the 1854 Calhoun Depot, a landmark nearly as old as the city itself.
The project focuses on enhancing the functionality and appearance of the space, which has served the community for generations. According to City Administrator Paul Worley, the renovation will include removing the aging wooden decking and replacing it with concrete surfaces. The overhaul also includes new landscaping and upgrades to make the Depot’s main entrance fully accessible under current ADA standards.
“This effort is about making the area more usable for the public,” said Worley, who noted that while the deck and landscaping will change, the layout of the parking area will remain intact. The iconic red caboose on site will also stay put, continuing its role as a recognizable feature of the downtown landscape.
City officials aim to open the bidding process within the next few weeks. Once a contractor is selected, the renovation is expected to span several months. The project budget, estimated between $700,000 and $800,000, will be funded through a combination of general city funds and revenue from the local Hotel/Motel Tax.
A more precise timeline for the construction will be available once the bidding phase concludes.
