Construction Underway On Route 66 Village Train Depot

Construction begins this month on the Route 66 Village Train Depot, a $3 million project funded by the Vision Tulsa sales tax.

The 5,000-square foot depot is being built next to the existing locomotive on site, and will function as a museum and events center, complete with meeting rooms and a full commercial kitchen.

The Route 66 Historical Village, an association of volunteers, will supply exhibits for the museum and manage the facility. Keith Robertson is one of the architects in charge and said it’s important for this project to remind Tulsans of the history behind it.

“With this village, it will give an understanding for those that are passing through on Route 66 an idea of the history of Tulsa, history of west Tulsa, history of oil production and how it had an impact on Tulsa” said Robertson.

Gary Schellhorn, a facilities coordinator with the city of Tulsa, said, “We want to be able to have an opportunity for people to come to Tulsa, to stop and spend some time here as Tulsa continues its expansion of projects and things along Route 66.”

Schellhorn said this is not only a great attraction, but it allows for meetings and events to be held at a place where people can sit and see the history firsthand.

“It will be a great opportunity for the west side of Tulsa not only to have this attraction here but to have another event center for available for their use not only for west Tulsa, but for all of Tulsa” said Schellhorn.

The village train depot is scheduled be completed May of next year.