Museum Receives $100,000 Grant Toward Move to Frisco

10/28/2011

The Museum of the American Railroad received a $100,000 contribution toward movement of its collection to its new home in Frisco, Texas. The funds, made possible by an anonymous donor, will be applied to the costs associated with moving two historic structures.

The Museum’s circa 1900 Houston & Texas Central Depot and 1903 Santa Fe Interlocking Tower 19 will make the 30 mile trek to Frisco later this year. The Depot is a registered Texas Historic Landmark, and Tower 19 is listed on the Historic American Engineering Record.

The generous contribution will be applied toward the actual movement of the structures, a complicated, costly process due to numerous height, width, and weight restrictions along the route from Fair Park to Frisco. Both buildings will require disassembly in order to achieve minimum clearance requirements.

The Museum has been working closely with the Texas Historical Commission in Austin in the development of a plan that protects the historical and structural integrity of the buildings. The Depot and Tower 19 will be reassembled upon arrival in Frisco and serve as major exhibits at the new site. The Depot will be situated adjacent to the new Frisco Discovery Center, while Tower 19 will be located near the BNSF main line – providing an outstanding view of present day railroading.