Depot taking shape in Downtown PA!

Dear Friends,
Well it's finally starting to look like the Old KCS Depot! Not only are the towers in place, but roofs are also going up.

There has been a small delay on some of the construction, but for good cause. First, though Phase I was supposed to build the outer shell of the building, minus interior walls, etc. This was not feasible, due to wind storm insurance. So once Phase I is complete, we will actually be


closer to completion on the inside as well. This does mean that Phase I will cost more, but it should take some money off the future Phase or Phases. (Did I say we're still looking for generous donors?!)

A smaller slow down in construction, is due to the fact that we have been able to purchase the elaborate doors of historic St Mary Church in downtown Port Arthur. We're working to arrange the optimum time to get the doors without having to replace the doors at the church. St. Mary's closed earlier this year and is now scheduled for demolition on Dec. 9. In our efforts to make the Depot a real historical treasure for Port Arthur and the Maritime Community, we wished to house these doors for St. Mary's. The middle front doors at St. Mary's will become the entrance doors of the Seafarers' Center Chapel. The doors represent people from many nationalities which are here in Port Arthur, so those will be most fitting for an International Center!

The front side doors, will lead into the conference/banquet room. They will be seen from the foyer, which itself will house many historic maritime items which have been generously donated.

Drive by and take a peak at the Center when you have a chance, and help us spread the word that people still have time to donate and help re-create a historic landmark!
Doreen