Groundbreaking A Rousing Success
Train bells clanged and 300 supporters whistled October 21 to signal the start of construction on a permanent home for the City of Portland’s three historic steam locomotives. Portland Commissioner Nick Fish and former commissioner Mike Lindberg presided over noontime ceremonies at the site of the new Enginehouse and Rail Heritage Center near the future OMSI MAX station and Portland Streetcar line at the new Willamette River bridge crossing.
Joining them were ORHF President Doyle McCormack, Tri-Met general manager Neil McFarlane, Rick Gustafson of Portland Streetcar, OMSI president Nancy Steuber, Brock Nelson of Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak’s Bob Eaton.
Commissioner Fish donned a hardhat and mounted a backhoe to scoop a ceremonial first shovelful of dirt from the site.
Also on hand were dozens of individuals involved in the complicated and decade-long effort to relocate the three steam locomotives—SP 4449, SP&S 700 and OR&N 197—from their temporary housing at the Roundhouse in Union Pacific’s Brooklyn Yard.
When fully realized, the Enginehouse and Rail Heritage Center will be a living workroom to celebrate the history of rail and be a focal point for the new rail hub taking shape in its vicinity.
Here are some photos from the ground-breaking event:
