Old Columbus Railroad Depot Gets a Face Lift

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Downtown Columbus is known for its historic home and places that attract many from all over.

Now, the friendly city is looking forward to new renovations to one downtown building.

Any Columbus resident can tell you where downtown ends with the mark of this old building that stands at the intersection of main street and 13th street south.

“The building originally was built by the Georgia Pacific railroad in 1886. They had started building railroads across Alabama into Mississippi in early 1880s and this was the Columbus depot,” says Rufus Ward.

The historic depot later became a passenger terminal until 1948. Rufus Ward says even a former President used this depot for travel.
“The most famous individual to come through it here was President Taft in 1909 when he spoke at the W,” says Ward.

However, despite the archives of this 13,000 square foot building, the depot became several restaurants and a night club before finally closing its doors.

Columbus resident, Laura Beth Berry remembers meeting her husband here 24 years ago when the depot was used as a restaurant and bar.
“I came here with some girls that I worked with and they knew Duke and he came and started talking to him and that’s how it started,” says Laura Beth Berry.

Now, looking at the abandoned depot, they’re hopeful that the new owner will get things back up and running.
“It’s a neat building and of course we have cherished memories of being here so it’s like an old friend and you always want to see historic place taken care of and brought back to life,” says Berry.

No matter how the new owners will present the remodeled building to Columbus, the history and memories from the past will always carry on in the hearts of others.

California judge, Gayle Guynup bought the facility on August 29th.