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Overland Park Historical Society completes Strang Depot exterior restoration; group plans grand opening
Summary
The Overland Park Historical Society reported nearly completed exterior and interior restoration at the Strang Depot, with nearly $460,000 spent on exterior and interior upgrades; the society plans a ribbon-cutting and program partnerships with local schools and universities.
Brad Moore, executive director of the Overland Park Historical Society, updated the Community Development Committee on a year of restoration at the Strang Depot and the society's programming plans. Moore said the exterior work was finished in March and the society spent "just under $460,000" to complete improvements designed to help with future fundraising and public programming.
Moore described new standing-seam metal roofing, thermal-pane windows with simulated divided lights, new doors, canvas awnings and illuminated coach lamps on three sides. Inside, the organization reworked the main exhibit room into a flexible multipurpose space with rolling exhibit frames and a Research and Education Room that will host computer access to archives. Moore said the society has begun conversations with local school districts and the University of Kansas about programming and expects a formal public grand opening and ribbon-cutting within about 30 days.
Committee members praised the restoration and encouraged continued partnership between the society and city departments on site improvements outside the building.
Why it matters: Restoring the Strang Depot preserves a historic building in downtown Overland Park and prepares a community venue for programs, school partnerships and tourism.
