Tryons historic train depot looks different these days. The building has a new roof and the outside has been painted yellow. Decks are also being completed on the outside of the building.

Renovations to the depot, which has been leased from the Town of Tryon by local business owner Andy Millard, are moving along.

Millard told Tryon Town Council recently about the many construction items completed.

The big room has been completed and looks really nice, Millard said (see photo, page 3). The inside is currently being painted, as are the outside decks. Installation of hardwood flooring throughout the building should begin soon, he said.

Plans originally were for the renovations to be done by the end of this year. Millard did not indicate last week how close contractors are to meeting that goal, but said the project is getting really close to being done.

Tryon approved a lease with Millard earlier this year. Millard agreed to spend approximately $250,000 to restore the building in exchange for a lease of $1 per year for 20 years. Millard plans to move his financial services business, Millard & Company, to the new space, which will also provide office space for other businesses.

Local architects Brady/Trakas provided the design for the restored building, and Mike Karaman is the general contractor.

Tryons train depot, located on Depot Street downtown, was originally constructed around 1906 and most recently was used for the Polk County Historical Museum and the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club. Both the museum and Tryon Riding and Hunt Club have moved out of the building in the last few years and the building has remained vacant since.

Millards plans include three offices and a reception area. He also plans to keep the freight room, or the big room, as an assembly room to be utilized for town events or other occasions and to serve as a depot museum.

Millard last week refuted the idea expressed by some residents that the town bears any financial responsibility for the restoration. He said there has been good cooperation from the town and he really appreciates it.