This reconstruction of the Central Pacific Railroad’s 1870 Niles Depot will serve the Niles Canyon Railway as both an active railway passenger depot and museum of railroad history within the Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District. This rail depot was built within months of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad through the future site of Niles. This station was established as an important junction on the mainline and a branch line to San Jose and points beyond, such as San Francisco. It also served as the seed from which the town of Niles would eventually sprout in the 1880s.
Backed by extensive historical research, this new building will be constructed to meet contemporary expectations for sustainability and accessibility, while accurately re-creating the appearance and finishes of this 19th Century railroad depot.
The new 2400 square foot building will include a passenger waiting room, ticket office, museum gallery, gift store, restrooms, and support spaces.