Architect checks out Auburn Depot

The Auburn Depot may have a potential buyer after nine years of vacancy. An architect spoke with the historical preservation commission about the depot's possibilities.

"If they were to purchase it and move forward with this project, they would have a somewhat long path to follow," said Matt Moseley, Auburn planner and staff representative for the historical preservation commission. "It could be done in a few months as far as the approvals, but it would be multiple public hearings."

Moseley said Mike Hamrick, with the Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood architecture company, spoke with the commission at its Feb. 14 meeting on behalf of Hamrick's client, a financial institution, about the possibilities with the depot.

"They're just kind of looking at their options," Moseley said. "I think (the commission members) were fairly intrigued by what Mr. Hamrick was proposing."

The building has been vacant since 2003 and hasn't operated as a depot since 1970. It is structurally sound, but in need of repairs, Moseley said.

"The building itself has had at least four additions onto it," Moseley said. "It has been modified numerous times over the years."

Moseley said Hamrick conducted a historical analysis based on architectural patterns to demonstrate how he thought the depot had grown over time and presented ideas of how the client might potentially use the building.

The depot has previously been a realty office and a gift shop in addition to an active depot, Moseley said. He said if the financial institution decides to move forward, they would probably do so quickly.

"I would think that it would be something within the next couple months," Moseley said.

The process of starting a business in the depot would need to go through the historic preservation commission, the planning commission, city council and possibly the board of zoning and would involve numberous public hearings, Moseley said.