Those who are familiar with Richmond history know that before 1900, Richmond was essentially a cattle ranch. Two things happened about the same time that made Richmond a city. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (ATSF) established Richmond as its western transcontinental terminus, with Ferry Point as the water link to the prestigious final destination of San Francisco. the second was the establishment of an oil refinery that is today Chevron Texaco.

Today, a little over a century later, only one building remains of the original ATSF (now Santa Fe Burlington Northern - BNSF) original rail yard complex. It was originally known as the Santa Fe Reading Room, apparently a sort of an upscale lounge for employees. Later it became the "Trainmasters Office" and was part of the Santa Fe Depot in Richmond, now demolished.

The City of Richmond has both an opportunity and an obligation to save this historic structure. As a part of the Richmond Parkway construction, the City has a contractual obligation with BNSF to move it out of the rail yards. The current concept is to move it south to Point Richmond in a vacant lot north of the Plunge and across Richmond Avenue. Acquisition of the site will be paid for by Caltrans as a part of the Richmond Parkway fund. The Richmond Redevelopment Agency will package resale of the parcel, including required rehabilitation of the historic building and solicit developers.

A resolution to move this project forward is on the City Council agenda for May 20, 2003. A photo of the building and the text of the resolution is at http://www.pointrichmond.com/ and http://www.pointrichmond.com/trainmasterbldg.htm.

If you wish to encourage Richmond City Council members to support it, email them at Irma_Anderson@ci.richmond.ca.us; tom.butt@intres.com: Nat_Bates@ci.richmond.ca.us; chbelcher1@aol.com; gb926@aol.com; Richard_Griffin@ci.richmond.ca.us; Jim_rogers@ci.richmond.ca.us; mlpenn@pacbell.net; Maria_Viramontes@ci.richmond.ca.us.