Time may be running out for a historic railroad depot in Moline. Located on River Drive, it's in the way of the new I-74 bridge, and Western Illinois University is no longer interested in moving the 114 year old building to the new riverfront campus.
Barb Sandberg, from the Moline Historic Preservation Commission, says after four years of thinking the university would save the former Davenport, Rock Island, and Northwestern Depot, she learned just this month of WIU's decision that moving it and fixing it up, would cost too much.
"This particular little depot is unique for its architecture too. Usually small depots were made of wood, whereas this is brick with an attractive tile red roof. So it's not only historically significant, but it is also architecturally significant."
Sandberg is now trying to find out from state transportation officials when the depot must be moved to make way for a new I-74 bridge, and whether the money previously committed to the project is still available.
"And once we determine those two questions - how long do we have and is the money still available - then we can certainly guarantee that we will find a location."
The Moline city council is scheduled to discuss the historic depot at its meeting next week, and she hopes it will agree to let the historic preservation commission continue looking for a new owner and new site.