Community pride and historical preservation took center stage Thursday evening as residents, city leaders, and members of the Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of Folsom’s historic train depot at 200 Wool Street in the heart of Folsom’s Historic District. The event marked the culmination of years-long restoration efforts, transforming the depot into a multifunctional space that honors Folsom’s past while serving the needs of its growing community.
The evening, themed “All Aboard: The Depot,” featured speeches from local leaders, tours of the newly restored space, and acknowledgments of the many contributors who made the project possible. Guests explored the Freight Room, which now serves as the FHDA’s office, meeting space, and a dedicated green room for performers at the nearby Zittel Family Amphitheater.
Originally built in the 19th century, the train depot has long been a cornerstone of Folsom’s transportation and commerce history. It was part of the Sacramento Valley Railroad, the first railroad west of the Mississippi River, which connected Sacramento to Folsom in 1856. The city acquired the depot from Southern Pacific in May 1970, recognizing its historical significance and committing to its preservation.
“This depot has always been a vital part of Folsom’s story, and now it has a new chapter,” said Judy Collinsworth, executive director of the FHDA.
Collinsworth introduced the FHDA staff during the event, highlighting their contributions to the organization as well as their pride on the depot project. “We have an incredible group of women who love to dress in theme—we’ve even got our little railroad pants on here tonight,” she said. “We’re just very excited about this whole adventure. This space is for our incredible performers, whether it’s the dance groups, theater people, or musicians getting ready for their shows. It’s all about creating a welcoming environment for them.”
The Freight Room, now a hub for community engagement, includes the Peter T. Lewis Green Room, a professional-grade backstage space for performers at the Zittel Family Amphitheater.
“We’re so excited to show off our new space,” Collinsworth said. “This green room is a much-needed resource for our performers, especially during the 100-degree summer days. It’s a wonderful venue, and it’s something that will benefit our community for years to come.”
The green room was initially funded by a $25,000 donation from the Lewis family that kick started the fundraising campaign. The Lewis family are longtime supporters of Folsom’s arts and culture scene. The space is dedicated to Peter T. Lewis, who worked alongside his father, Tom Lewis, in supporting the Historic District for over 25 years. Peter tragically died from injuries in a motorcycle accident before the project became reality.
“Peter loved this community, and he loved bringing people together through music and events,” Tom Lewis said when the project was first announced and his family presented the donation “We’re honored to contribute to a project that will support artists and entertainers for years to come. We know Peter would be thrilled to see how this space will be used.”
Tom Lewis also was recognized on the many ways his family has contributed to the community over the years, from assisting with things like local rodeos and concerts to helping organize tree lighting ceremonies, ice rinks, and parades. “We thought of all kinds of ways to use Tom,” joked FHDA Board President Jim Snook. “And Peter was right there with him, side by side.”
A Collaborative Community Effort
The depot’s restoration was made possible by the combined efforts of local organizations, city leadership, private donors, and volunteers. According to Jerry Bernau, the general contractor for the project, the total value of cash, materials, and in-kind contributions exceeded $115,000.
“Just the cash and materials alone, not including all the donated time and resources, amounted to $115,000, and it’s paid off,” Bernau said. “This was truly a community effort, and it’s incredible to see what we’ve achieved together.”
Bernau emphasized the importance of preserving the building’s historical integrity while modernizing it for dual-use functionality. “This is a National Register building, and it’s very important to the community,” he said. “You’ve got to do it right, and that’s why we worked closely with a historical architect to ensure the design was compatible with the building’s original character while meeting modern needs.”
Bernau also praised the city’s building department for expediting the approval process. “The chief building official, Allison, actually plan-checked us, which was phenomenal,” he said. “Mike Toledo, the supervising inspector, was instrumental in ensuring the project met all fire, life, and safety standards. His guidance was invaluable.”
Bernau credited the many donors for their contributions to the project as well as that of the local craftsmen and volunteers that worked on it, many of whom donated their time and resources to the project. “We benefited from long-standing relationships with so many of these craftsmen,” he said. “Some of them even discounted their work to our benefit because they knew how important this project was to the community.”
Mayor Sarah Aquino opened the evening by reflecting on the depot’s historical significance and the city’s commitment to preserving its railroad heritage.
“Next February will be the 170th anniversary of the completion of the Sacramento Valley Railroad, that 22-mile route from Sacramento to Folsom,” Aquino said. “On behalf of the city, I want to assure you that we are committed to preserving and honoring and celebrating Folsom’s rich railroad history. This depot is a testament to that commitment.”
Aquino also introduced the city’s new manager, Brian Whitemeyer who was on hand at the event, whom she described as “the conductor that’s going to keep the trains all running on time,” when it comes to taking the wheel of the city.
Jim Snook, president of the FHDA board, expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative.
“Look at all these wonderful people here for this tonight,” Snook said. “Just by looking out at this I know that I’m just blessed to be part of this community and our family to be here as many years as we have and to see how it’s developed. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of so many people. It’s a reflection of what makes Folsom so special—our ability to come together and achieve something great.”
Snook also emphasized the importance of the depot’s restoration for future generations. “This space isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about creating a vibrant future for our community. It’s a place where people can come together, whether for performances, meetings, or just to connect.”
Preserving History While Embracing the Future
The FHDA worked closely with the Heritage Preservation League and local historian Bill Anderson to ensure the depot’s historical elements were preserved. Anderson contributed original artifacts, including office furniture, photos, and signage from the Sacramento Valley Railroad era.
“We found squirreled away, hidden, that he’s been preserving office furniture from the original SV depot that are now in our space,” Bernau said. “Photos and signage and just an amazing amount of things. Bill’s contributions were truly priceless.”
The project also included modern upgrades to improve the building’s safety and accessibility, such as electrical and plumbing enhancements, ADA compliance measures, and fire-life safety improvements.
The grand reopening event welcomed guests to explore the restored Freight Room, enjoy live music, and learn more about the depot’s new features. Local wineries and establishments provided refreshments, and attendees had the chance to meet new merchants in the district.
For more information about the depot, upcoming events, or how to get involved, visit www.historicfolsom.org.
