Historic railroad depot full of Southern Heart Pine!

The Building

     Built circa 1893, this incredible railroad depot is a warehouse and sorting facility in Henderson, Kentucky.  During that time, the building served as Henderson’s main railroad warehouse to off-load and sort all produce, hardware, and sundries coming into the city. As recently as two years ago, a Evansville billiard and recreation company utilized the property as a fully functioning warehouse (they sold this property in order to reduce their debt sheet).

     Measuring 50 feet wide, 13 feet high to the truss (over 25 feet total height), and 400 feet long, this warehouse contains over 275,000 board feet of beautiful, tight-grain old growth Southern Heart Pine. This highly sought timber was used by American railroad companies to build depots and freight buildings all over the South and Midwest.

     The structure sits on 1.487 acres zoned C-1 (light commercial).  There is an additional 20 foot concrete cargo ramp and paddock at the far end of the Fourth Street entrance.  There are two driveways at opposite ends of the property; both have direst street access.

     This site is ideal for loft-style condominiums, retail offices, and /or a duplex property.  The 1.487 acre lot has an estimated value of $100,000. Of the 1.487 acres (.93 acres is a separate deed) because the concrete ramp was added after the initial construction.  One current and several future development projects adjoin this site, including a NEW Catholic Church residential apartment complex, making this lot increasingly valuable.  The building is fitted with 200 amp circuit breakers and halogen lighting extending the entire building.  The office has a working bathroom with sink and toilet.

The Lumber

    The interior lumber has never been exposed to the elements nor painted, except for the the office areas mentioned previously.  Lumber reclamation companies have estimated that, given the quality and wealth of this excellent preserved Southern Heart Pine, the wood alone has a market value of over $200,000.  All support structures are connected with 1" and 2" steel rods and bolts.  All the ironwork in the sliding doors was custom made by blacksmiths.  The entire structure can be systematically taken down and reassembled, or sold off in several parcels. Several smaller property owners in Henderson have approached us about a purchase, but were reluctant about demolition of such a large structure.  Henderson is a small community with few demolition options. Most local buildings are torn down by companies from Louisville, Nashville, etc. 

Interior Pine lumber measurements:

Trusses (15 total)   10”x 12”x 50’ = 22,500 board feet

Floor joist   3”x 12”x14’ = 40,000 b.f.

Wood flooring – ½ lap  6” = 40,000 b.f.

Purlings  8”x16”x23’ = 29,000 b.f.

Rafters  46,800 b.f

Decking  4”x ¾ x 6” = 28,000b.f.

Sliding doors (30 total)  7,000 b.f.

Beaded 1”x 4” with green paint in office (only painted wood inside building) = 3,800 b.f.

Red sand brick under flooring = 160 sq. feet

Exterior Pine lumber measurements:

50’x 400’ treated wood = 20,000 b.f.

The Possibilities

     This property is ideally suited for loft-style condos, mid-sized two-story apartments, or retail offices.  The structure is incredibly solid and the engineering and architecture is superb.  As we were photographing, two trains passed.  With each train pass, we put a hand to different areas of the building and there was no vibration at all (even though the main track is only 50 feet from the wall).  Even more astonishing was the sound muffling. With the sliding doors closed and no insulation, the usual roar of the train was barely noticed. We didn’t have to adjust our speaking voices at all!  It was truly amazing.

    The dark red color and tight grain of this 200+ year old Southern Heart Pine is what makes the lumber so attractive to reclamation experts.  Each consultant stated that the lumber is exactly the grain and thickness that their clients desire for residential and commercial applications.  Each consultant viewed the sample lumber as superbly preserved and accessible.  They all stated the housing market contraction has limited their current purchasing power, but would consider it one of their first choices in Kentucky for reclaimed lumber.

The Details

    This property was purchased locally and owned locally.  All documentation is on record at the Henderson County courthouse and I have a clean title to both lots and building.  Rezoning this property is an option through City of Henderson. I have had no need to do so.  I felt eBay was the best media for national exposure.  I want to state that a winning bid DOES NOT constitute a contractual agreement.  If you have any questions or wish to see more photographs, please contact:

Jimmie H. Mason 270/860-8511 mobile   270/830-6629 home