TMCC students design V&T depot

A class of architectural design students agreed this fall to take on the challenge of designing the V&T Railroad a proper, historic depot.

A total of 16 students participated in the six week project and V&T marketing manager Candy Duncan said the three final designs chosen are being combined to incorporate the best ideas. She said V&T staff will then take the final concept to the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway and apply for historical grants to try make the remodel of the existing 3,000 square foot building at Eastgate a reality.

”Even with challenging budget guidelines, the ideas presented by the students were incredibly creative, practical and progressive,” she said.

They included exterior awnings and railings, outdoor decking, more lighting, French or double doors and skylights.

One student suggested a traditional oversized clock.

“It’s a train station,” the author wrote. “You need to know when the train arrives and departs.”

Other decorative and historic elements include hand cars, luggage wagons, period benches and period lighting and signs.

The station’s interior also received consideration, using layouts that route visitors through historic displays and memorabilia, a bar and snack area and decorative paint schemes.

“We jumped at this opportunity since one of our core directives at Truckee Meadows Community College is community involvement,” said instructor Kreg Mebust. “The V&T train station project offered a unique opportunity.”