The East Troy Railroad Museum broke ground this summer on a new 7,000-square-foot maintenance facility, helping secure rail history for future generations.

“This is a very big day for us. We are very excited and we hope to have this thing up and functioning by the time the snow flies,” said Ryan Jonas, president of the museum during a groundbreaking ceremony July 25.

Jonas let the array of Village of East Troy and Village of Mukwonago trustees, local officials and other contributors and supporters of the building project.

The new 128-feet long by 56-feet wide facility will be located across from The Elegant Farmer and replace the railroad’s obsolete facility in the same location.

The existing maintenance and storage facilities lack good access around cars and greatly limit the ability to maintain or refurbish trolleys and interurban railroad cars during the colder months, according to Jonas.

“The current facility is more of a weather shelter for our cars, and it isn’t heated or cooled,” he said.

The new facility, to be constructed by Walters Buildings, will contain a pit allowing the maintenance staff to work completely underneath the car – and it will be temperature controlled.

“The majority of our existing barn does not have finished floors and volunteers have to crawl underneath the cars to perform necessary maintenance,” said Jonas.

Cars will enter the facility on rails and it will contain a machine shop and wood shop.

“Historic trolley, interurban and elevated commuter rail cars have come to us with millions of miles on them,” said Jonas, “and some of them are well over 100 years old. Electric, wood and metal repairs are often required to keep these fine cars running down the track.”

Walters Buildings, a family-owned company based out of Allentown, Wis. worked closely with East Troy Railroad to provide a high value solution that meets the unique requirements of the museum. Walters has supported the railroad with other structures since 1996.

Estimated cost for the project is $500,000.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this special day. A lot of people have made donations toward this and because of that we have raised 50 percent of the funds necessary for the facility,” Jonas said. The railroad has secured financing for the remaining 50 percent with First Citizens State Bank.

About the East Troy Railroad

The East Troy Railroad Museum is 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational corporation committed to the preservation of the rail heritage of Wisconsin and America.

Operated completely by volunteers, all proceeds and sales benefit the work of the museum to restore historic trolleys and interurban railcars, preserve rail heritage, and educate the public.

The railroad operates every weekend May through October and runs charters, dinner trains and other special events.

The East Troy Railroad has 27 trolleys, interurbans and other electric railroad cars. The museum has over 250 members worldwide, 110 active volunteers and nearly 15,000 visitors each year.

The museum operates on the last remaining 7.5 miles of The Milwaukee Electric Railroad and Light Co. (TMER&L) interurban line. It has run continuously since 1907.