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More improvements are coming to Veterans Memorial Park as renovations begin on one of Elgin’s most recognizable landmarks.
City Council unanimously authorized repairs earlier this month to the deck at 114 Central Ave., home of the historic Freight Depot and previous headquarters of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce. Public Works Director Michael Gonzalez presented the measure, noting that while the city had eyed the project for years, funding had remained a challenge.
“Staff identified a unique funding opportunity for the repairs at the deck, something that we’ve been wanting to do for a while now, especially when the Chamber was housed there,” Gonzalez said.
The Freight Depot, originally built in 1872, became the next focus after the council previously secured money for repairs to the exterior of City Hall’s Nofsinger House. Officials said savings from that project opened the door for the long-planned deck restoration at the depot.
The approved plan calls for composite material on the top of the deck and pressure-treated wood beneath—a design Gonzalez described as “one of the most affordable options that we could go with.”
He added that the city received favorable bids on the work.
City officials said the restoration will help preserve a key feature of the historic site, ensuring the depot continues to serve as a reminder of Elgin’s rich heritage.
The Elgin Chamber of Commerce relocated from the depot in February to its new downtown visitor center at 30 N. Main St. Officials said the move provided greater visibility, additional space and new opportunities to engage with tourism and businesses.
