The immense Back Shop structure was built in 1905 and served as the major overhaul facility for steam locomotives. The largest structure on the site, and once the largest industrial building in North Carolina, the Back Shop served as an enormous machine shop where locomotives were disassembled with the aid of a crane. Lathes and milling machines were used to re-machine the parts before everything was reassembled. At the peak of activity, two to three locomotives per week emerged as new from the Back Shop.
Today, in the context of the N.C. Transportation Museum, the Back Shop is seen as an ideal location to tell the story of North Carolina's transportation history. This building is large enough to house trains, trucks, automobiles and aircraft in a protected, enclosed environment. Classrooms and meeting spaces will provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement. More than 150,000 visitors per year are expected to pass through the Back Shop after its renovation. |
Because of the large size of the building and the magnitude of work needed to restore the building, the renovation has been divided into three phases. Following a successful fundraising campaign by the N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation, construction on Phase I started in the fall of 2001, and included removal of hazardous materials, replacement of the roof, windows, and skylights, and re-pointing of the masonry. This work was completed in spring of 2004.
Phase II is began in the spring of 2005. This work focuses on the Power House, which will house the mechanical systems for the Back Shop, and move into the interior systems and spaces of the Back Shop.
Work required on the Power House includes removal of hazardous materials and stabilization of the structure and roof.
While money is on hand to begin Phase II, the NCTM Foundation is still seeking funds to complete this phase, which will cost nearly $16 million. Donations to this worthwhile project can be made online or by contacting the Foundation office at 704-636-2889, ext. 231 or 228. |
