New deck goes up at Depot

The iconic Whitefish Depot is getting a minor facelift this month as crews work to replace the downtown train station’s entire front deck.

The Stumptown Historical Society’s board voted last year to take on the estimated $175,000 project as caretakers of the building. Over the years they have replaced boards as needed, but that left the deck in a patchwork condition.

Jill Evans, executive director of the historical society, said the deck had become somewhat of a safety issue with undulating boards. More than 65,000 train passengers pass through the depot each year, making Whitefish the busiest stop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder route.

“This is going to help everyone,” she said. “It’s a nicer welcome to Whitefish.”

Crews with North Country Builders were busy last week cutting lumber and hanging ledger boards for the deck.

The 4,000 square-foot deck was most recently constructed 65 years ago. During demolition, crews found a date nail stamped with the year 1948 at the front door.

Leo Keane, with North Country, says they are rebuilding the deck to historic specs, but with more substantial and longer-lasting lumber. They will use treated 3x10 Douglas fir boards from RBM Lumber in Columbia Falls.

“This should easily last another 65 years,” Keane said.

A handicap accessible ramp will be added near the new Amtrak parking lot north of the library.

Construction is expected to wrap up by June 30. Public access to the depot will be maintained while crews are working.