CHARLEVOIX — After years of planning and fundraising, the Charlevoix Historical Society has announced the completion of the roof replacement on the historic Train Depot at 305 Chicago Ave.

The project, finished in mid-June, came in close to the original estimate at $85,000. Cosier Roofing from Boyne City was selected as the contractor through a competitive bidding process.

During the project, it was determined that a completely new underlayment was needed to protect the structure, which had only the original wooden base from 1892. The cost of the new underlayment was covered within the original budget. The shingles were last replaced in 2000. This work wraps up a major restoration effort at the Depot that began in 2018.

To preserve the historic look, the contractor blended modern technology and materials with original design elements, including the decorative edges on the roofline.

“While it looks brand new with its shiny copper valleys, we retained the historic look important to this building while adding protection for the new shingles,” said Denise Fate, Society President Emerita and project manager.

The train depot is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and is a designated local historic district for the City of Charlevoix.

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The project was supported by donors to the society’s Embrace.Preserve.Cherish. capital campaign and grants. The society partnered with the City of Charlevoix to obtain a $20,000 grant from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from the city on this endeavor,” added Fate.

The project also received funding from the National Park Service, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, the Great Lakes Energy People Fund and the Frey Foundation.

The 2018 restoration of the Depot included repainting the building in its original 1892 colors, determined through expert paint matching analysis.

“The partnership between the City of Charlevoix and the Charlevoix Historical Society has been beneficial on many fronts,” said Lindsey Dotson, DDA director and Historic District Commission staff advisor for the City of Charlevoix. “Preserving such an iconic structure in Charlevoix is truly an honor.”

The Depot, donated to the historical society by Mary and Robert Pew in 1992, is used for programs and lectures on local history, as well as events, exhibits and private functions. Details are available at chxhistory.com.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix Historical Society completes $85,000 Train Depot roof restoration