MONTHLY OPEN HOUSES
The CDI has begun a monthly Open House initiative to allow the public to see the inside of The Depot as well as partake in scheduled presentations that speak to the history of the depot, its place within the hamlet of Callicoon, and to the rich history of the region. During each monthly Open House, the public is welcome to come in and experience The Depot’s historic interior.

WHO DOES WHAT?
The Callicoon Business Association (CBA) was established in 1997 to promote business and tourism in the hamlet of Callicoon while preserving its historic and natural assets. The CBA helps its members improve services for their customers and visitors through creative advertising, fundraising, and coordinating annual events. Established businesses, emerging merchants, and local community groups, including not-for-profit groups, all rely upon the CBA for its rigorous promotion of the hamlet, highlighting its wide-open river-town setting and rustic charm.

The Callicoon Depot Inc. (CDI) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization set up as an administration and management entity for The Callicoon Depot site’s development and programming. CDI also advocates for the interests of the Callicoon Train Depot and Visitor’ Center project for the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB).

FUNDING
The State has awarded the CBA a New York Economic Development Program (NYEDP) grant for the construction of the Visitor’s Center at the Callicoon depot site. The CDI, working with the CBA and the UDSB, is in the process of implementing the agreed to program elements, developing a scope of work based on a series of reports and assessments on the state of the depot and the extent of work needed to bring the facility to a state of good repair, to code compliance, ADA accessibility, making the building occupiable by the public and open for business.

An independent cost estimating firm completed a cost estimate in 2024 that was reconciled against the grant monies to assure the project is viable and affordable. In 2025, the firm Bade, Stageberg Cox Architecture was hired to prepare design and construction drawings for the first phase of the project. Costs are being reviewed and the project scope is being adjusted to comport with grant funding. Once this work is done the project will be released for construction bids.

WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG?
The process of responding to very specific information and procedures associated with working with state entities and their requirements can be time consuming and arduously complex. It is essential that proper procedures be followed and needed information delivered in a concise and responsive way to assure approval and processing.

WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON THE DEPOT BUILDING?
Since taking possession of the lease in 2021, the CBA/CDI have undertaken stabilization programs such as reinforcing structural deficiencies along the west side of the structure, evaluated water drainage/foundation penetration issues, removed non-historic interior partitions, removal of dropped ceilings, and the construction of a new stage along the east façade. Flexible outdoor seating, tables and planters have been provided, as well as a demarcation railing along the non-operational track to the north, to denote and protect users from the active railway.

With respect to the DASNY grant, existing conditions reports, scope of needed work/repairs, and design and construction drawings have been completed. The drawings are currently under review by the railroad, Town of Delaware, and the State Historic Preservation Office. Following agency approvals, the drawings will be released for construction bids.