Since 2011, the town of Alderson and Alderson Main Street have been working to restore the exterior of the historic 1896 C&O Depot. Now work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 13. A competitive bidding process resulted in the selection of DCI/Shires from Bluefield as the low bidder. The work will consist of exterior renovation to include replacement of the east and west wing roofs; removal of lead-based paint and repainting including any repairs needed; installation of drainage around the building; and the repair/replacement of the existing concrete retaining wall including paint and a new metal railing.
The work is partially funded by Transportation Enhancement grants from the Department of Transportation, Division of Highways and with the approval of the State Historic Preservation Office. Matching funds were provided by Alderson Main Street. Architect Dan Hart and Historic Preservationist Michael Gioulis designed the project and will assist with construction oversight.
Mayor Travis Copenhaver said, “One of the issues we faced was the presence of lead-based paint which is common in buildings of this age. Because we were responsible and law-abiding, we had a lead report done before we bid this work. Then we required proper disposal of the lead based paint in the bid and contract documents.”
The contract for the rehabilitation and restoration of the depot includes the following language: “Remove all existing paint from the building. Use a system such as “Peel Away” which will contain the emulsified paint to be removed. Existing paint does contain lead and will need to be removed and disposed of according to all state and federal requirements for lead paint.”
During the pre-construction conference, DCI/Shires informed the team providing oversight to the project that they would be bringing in hazardous waste barrels from a disposal company to contain the paint residue; the barrels would be sealed as filled; the company would pick them up and dispose of them in accordance with state and federal regulations; and a certificate of disposal would be provided.
Copenhaver said, “We are so pleased to be able to start this work and soon have our beautiful depot shining once again.”