SIMI VALLEY : Depot Restoration Could Begin Soon

After receiving approval to restore the Santa Susana Railroad Depot to its turn-of-the-century appearance, project organizers are predicting that the first phase of construction could begin within a month.

Plans to turn the vacant Southern Pacific railroad depot in Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley into a historical museum have been in the works since June, 1990, when administrators of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and members of the nonprofit Rancho Simi Foundation teamed up on the project.

With approval this week from the Ventura County Heritage Board and county approval imminent, the final hurdle facing the project is raising an additional $100,000 to complete the four-phase improvement plan, according to Rancho Simi Foundation President Walt Griffin.

The park district has contributed $40,000 for planning and engineering studies and has committed another $40,000 to the project, while the Foundation has raised $12,000.

The Rancho Simi Foundation is coordinating interior improvements to the depot, including new restrooms, a conference room and exhibit areas, while exterior renovations are being funded by the park district.

These include a handicapped access ramp, additional parking and sidewalks.

The first stage of the restoration project--construction of two restrooms inside the depot--must be completed before the facility is opened to the public, park district officials said.

The depot is currently only open for specially arranged tours, Griffin said.

After the restrooms are built, the depot could be open to the public on weekends, possibly even before the end of the year, Griffin said.