La Porte HPC readies train station for candlelight tour, applies for local grant

The La Porte Historic Preservation Commission discussed logistics for the upcoming candlelight tour and plans to make the passenger depot a public attraction.

A presiding speaker said the commission will apply to the local Urban Enterprise program for a grant to help pay for decorations and a tree for the depot and that decorations and four or five rooms will be opened during the tour. The passenger depot currently has no running water because of leaking piping, so organizers plan to limit guest access to avoid plumbing areas and will bring water for cleaning tasks.

Commission members confirmed volunteer support and last‑minute cleaning needs, with one member offering to bring a vacuum and another noting volunteer docents would staff the building during the event. Members discussed photo opportunities and musician placement inside the depot and proposed placing a suggestion box to solicit public ideas about future uses for the passenger depot as the city's strategic planning for the corridor proceeds.

Also noted: the Nest Shelter will host a candlelight vigil/gathering in the freight depot immediately after the tour on Saturday night, starting at about 5:30 p.m.

No formal motions or funding awards were made during the meeting; the commission said it would pursue the grant application and finalize volunteer arrangements ahead of the event.