A major renovation project at one of Gordon County’s most iconic historic sites is moving ahead, as Calhoun city officials voted this week to award a construction bid for upgrades to the plaza surrounding the Calhoun Depot.
During Monday’s City Council meeting, members unanimously approved a contract with RaLin Construction, a Carrollton-based firm, to lead the overhaul of the outdoor space surrounding the 19th-century building.
Constructed in the early 1850s, the Calhoun Depot has long been a fixture of the city’s landscape. Over the decades, the building has played various roles and now serves as the home for City Council meetings, the Downtown Development Authority, and United Way of Gordon County.
The renovation will focus on the plaza area to the north and east of the building, aiming to make the space more accessible and usable for public events and gatherings. Key upgrades include replacing the existing wood decking with a concrete hard surface, re-landscaping the surrounding area, and improving disability access to the front entrance.
“The project will keep the Depot’s historic charm while improving its functionality for the community,” City Administrator Paul Worley added. The red caboose on-site will remain in place, and the parking layout will stay the same, according to current plans.
Four bids were submitted for the project, with RaLin Construction’s low bid of $798,614 coming in within the city’s expected range. Funding will come from a combination of general funds and Hotel/Motel Tax revenue. The city had previously estimated the cost between $700,000 and $800,000.
Work is expected to begin soon, with officials hopeful that the updated plaza will encourage even more community use of the historic space.
