This Miller|Hull illustration superimposes the new Railway Education Center design rendering adjacent to the existing Train Shed and main track at the Railway History Center. (Click on the illustration to view a larger version.)
The Northwest Railway Museum is preparing for construction of the third building on the Railway History Center campus in Snoqualmie. The Railway Education Center (“REC”) will incorporate 4,940 square feet and include a library with archival vault, classroom, and public restrooms. It will be located directly adjacent to the Train Shed exhibit building to provide for year ’round public visitation.
The REC is more than a library, classroom, and restrooms. It will incorporate office and work space for collections staff. It will include a reading room for researchers. A small gift shop will provide an outlet for published rail-themed books. There will be a ticket office where visitors will be able to purchase train tickets and admission tickets for the Train Shed tours.The distinctly Northwest design was developed by the award-winning Miller|Hull Partnership. A sampling of sustainable design features include the use of primarily locally-sourced materials, high R values for insulation, LED lighting, windows to take advantage of natural light to the greatest extent possible, and a heat pump to provide heating and cooling. Construction is planned for spring 2015 and will take up to 12 months.
The Railway History Center is located approximate one rail mile east of the Snoqualmie Depot. The campus design was developed in 2007 by a design consortium including the Miller|Hull Partnership, Outdoor Studio, KPFF Consulting Engineers. Funding sources include individual contributions, private foundations, the Washington State Historical Society Heritage Capital Projects Fund, and 4Culture. Your contribution can make a huge impact! Please consider supporting construction of the Railway Education Center with a contribution using the Museum’s online donation page here.
Very much so, Damon. Our ten year plan calls for a turntable a roundhouse as depicted on the master site plan. However, right now we are focused on completing the Railway Education Center and steam locomotive 924.