The future of the pink South Shore Station at Beverly Shores is on a firm foundation for the next century with a new partnership.
Through a long-term 100-year lease between the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and Indiana Landmarks, the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery will be a long-term tenant in the building.
“Partnerships form the backbone of our work across the state to preserve historic places,” says Brad Ward, Indiana Landmarks president, in a press release. “We are thrilled to work with regional leader NICTD to further the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery’s work to ensure this landmark is enjoyed by the community.”
About 35 years ago, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style depot—the last remaining 1920s train depot of the South Shore Line—was slated for demolition. Local supporters rallied to save it. They secured its listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
The Town of Beverly Shores partnered with the museum to restore the building using federal funding. Today, the depot houses a history museum, art gallery and gift shop. It also serves as a community center.
As its original 100-year lease with NIPSCO neared its expiration date, NICTD, with its nearby Pine Avenue station, needed a long-term plan for the depot. The new agreement between NICTD, Indiana Landmarks and the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery will ensure the depot remains serving the local community. The station will also remain a stop for the South Shore Line.
“Preserving this historic piece of our history and the Samuel Insull era of the railroad takes a group effort,” Michael Noland, NICTD president and CEO, said. “This strategic partnership brings Indiana Landmarks into the fold to help secure much-needed resources for this community and regional asset, and we are most grateful.”
