Reimagine the Train Station

In 2018, visioning, surveys and Open House Event at the Train Station. Danville residents were invited to “Reimagine the Train Station” to repurpose the station in a way that fits the community’s needs and desires supported by a grant from the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and Better Connections program.

A Quick Build for Health Grant in June 2019 supported installation of outdoor trail amenities at the Train Station (bike repair station, water access, planters, bike racks).  By October 2019,  a Better Connections “Village to Village” Activity Master Plan is completed for the Route 2/LVRT corridor connecting Danville Village to West Danville, which envisions the Station as a transportation hub.

In late 2020, the Danville Select Board asked the Planning Commission to form a Planning Commission formed the Danville Train Station Committee (DTSC) to build off the 2018-2019 ‘Village to Village’ Master Plan’s vision of the station as a transportation and recreation hub.

The goal: to leverage the completion of the 93 mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) in the Fall of 2022 to maximize the economic and cultural impact for Danville.

Partial List of Milestones Achieved to Date:

  • Awarded a $99,500 Vermont Downtown Transportation Fund grant to fund Phase II of restoration efforts including a restored trail side platform and canopy. This financing tool which assists municipalities in paying for transportation-related capital improvements within or serving a Designated Downtown and eligible Designated Village Centers.
  • Awarded a Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant for $97,650 to help establish the train station as a recreation hub.  The funds will allow for ADA compliant restrooms, parking, and an interactive kiosk encouraging visitors to explore local businesses and attractions.
  •  Awarded a Sincerbeaux $250 grant to complete a structural assessment
  • Train Station is added to the State Register of Historic Places and deemed eligible for the National Register
  • Vermont Housing & Conservation Board awards $75,000 for stabilization of the building
  • Green Mountain Power lends its support to the revitalization effort and makes a contribution
  • Celebration of the Station’s 150th birthday brings over 100 people to the station
  • Department of Historic Preservation grant award of $20,000 for preservation of historic architectural elements
  • A $22,000 Municipal Planning Grant was awarded to support architectural and engineering work

Read about the history of the Danville Train Station: All Aboard Special Edition Danville Depot and Details of Danville Depot. Special Edition.

Photo Gallery – A Visual History of the Train Station

Photo Gallery – 150th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 150 Years video

Danville Train Station Committee:

Chair: Michael Hogue
Chair Emeritus: Archie Prevost (Engineer, StJ&LC Line)
Building and Land: Sally Fishburn, Co-Chair, Rob Balivet and Ross Meaders
Use: Kate Whitehead. Co-Chair, Patty Conly, Keith Gadapee, Ted Houle, Stan Pekala, Alison Low and Laural Ruggles
Funding: Kitty Toll, Co-Chair, Tim Ide and Peter Crosby

RFP
VOREC Grant Funded
Business Feasibility Study Consultant

Read about the Economic Impact from the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in the NEK