The Village of East Palestine has been awarded technical assistance services valued at $55,000 from Opportunity Appalachia, a program aimed at fostering job growth, business support, and investment in Central Appalachia. One of 29 high-impact initiatives selected, the funding will help revitalize the historic train freight depot near the northwest corner of Taggart and N. Market Streets, contributing to the community’s economic and cultural resurgence.
Project Overview
Originally built in 1905, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) will be transferring the depot to the Village for a nominal fee of $1 after restoring the building’s exterior. The Village has appointed the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) to manage the redevelopment and reuse of the depot project on its behalf.
The depot is approximately 18.5’ x 133.5’ (just over 2,400 square feet). The exterior was restored in keeping with its historic design. Currently, the inside of the depot has no working electric, HVAC or plumbing, but NS has committed to providing an additional $100,000 grant for interior improvements. The Opportunity Appalachia grant will pay for architects and consultants to create architectural concepts, construction cost estimates and market assessments to support this initiative. Through Opportunity Appalachia, these services will be contracted directly by the grant funder for the benefit of the Village and EPCIC. The architectural concepts will be tailored to desired end uses.
Request for Proposals
The East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) and the Village of East Palestine are seeking viable business proposals from interested businesses, organizations, or entrepreneurs for the redevelopment and reuse of the historic freight depot. We are not seeking ideas or suggestions for what someone else should do, but what you, your business or your organization propose to do with the space.
Proposals will be evaluated based on their viability, job creation potential, economic benefits, and long-term sustainability. The EPCIC may want to arrange a phone call or interview to learn more about your business and your proposal and discuss any proprietary or financial information.
The RFP will be advertised on the village website, newsletter, and social media through October 15, 2024. Proposals can be submitted using the online form , or printed and mailed to the EPCIC at 85 N. Market St., East Palestine, OH, 44413, or scanned and emailed to info@eastpalestine-oh.gov.