The City of Salisbury and the Historic Salisbury Foundation (HSF) are proud to announce a collaborative effort to restore and revitalize the historic Salisbury Depot. Through this partnership, the City will purchase the Depot from HSF, returning the building to its original function as a passenger rail station and launching the next phase of a broader effort to enhance transportation and preserve Salisbury’s architectural heritage. The agreed-upon purchase price for the property is $3.5 million. The agreement reflects a strong spirit of cooperation, with both organizations working closely to ensure the building’s preservation and renewed role as a welcoming gateway for rail passengers and multimodal travelers. The purchase and planned renovations are being funded in part by an $11.7 million grant through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program, with additional support from local and state partners.
This grant award will fund significant site and building improvements at the Depot, including the expansion of the passenger waiting area and the creation of a full-service multi-modal transportation center. These improvements are designed to support increased train ridership and reduce single-occupancy vehicle use by improving access to other modes of transportation such as buses, bicycles, and rideshare services.
The CMAQ grant includes $3.2 million for site improvements and $8.5 million for building renovations and acquisition. The City is providing a local match of $320,000 from its general fund and an additional $1.7 million in state project match through the Strategic Transportation Improvements Program (STIP).
“This project reflects everything we value, including historic preservation, sustainability, access to opportunity, and community investment,” said Mayor Tamara Sheffield. “Through strong partnerships and grant support, we are returning the Depot to its original role as a gateway to Salisbury and creating a transportation system that meets the needs of a growing region.”
The City’s acquisition of the Depot is also part of a broader strategy that includes Project P-5726, a $16 million effort led by NCDOT to construct a second passenger platform and pedestrian underpass. These improvements will increase rail capacity and ensure safe, efficient access for future riders. Salisbury’s share of the project, $780,000, is covered through grant funding.
Salisbury has also been selected as the municipal sponsor for the Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Restoration Project. This $665 million regional effort will re-establish service to Asheville. By 2045, the city is projected to support approximately 100,000 local passenger boardings and nearly 290,000 connecting trips annually, making Salisbury a key stop along the corridor and promoting tourism and economic development.
The Historic Salisbury Foundation, which has owned and maintained the Depot since saving it from demolition in the 1970s, will use proceeds from the sale to expand its preservation efforts citywide. The funding will help the Foundation protect additional historic properties, support restorations, and strengthen its impact in neighborhoods rich in cultural and architectural heritage.
“We have proudly cared for the Depot for nearly 50 years,” said HSF Chair Ed Norvell. “This transition allows the building to serve the public once again, and it gives us the resources to further invest in our community. It is a meaningful next step for both the Foundation and the community.”
The City’s vision for the Depot includes restoring the Grand Hall as a public waiting area, expanding local and long-distance bus services, improving pedestrian and bicycle access, and supporting last-mile transportation options such as Uber and Lyft. City officials say planning and design work is underway, and additional updates will be shared in the coming months.
This project not only honors the legacy of those who preserved in the Depot in the past, but also ensures it will serve future generations as a vital hub of connection and mobility. It is an investment in Salisbury’s long-term growth, livability and sense of place.