More Work Is Planned for Reopened Depot

Now that the historic Capistrano Depot is open again after a year’s hiatus, more repairs at the 100-year-old railroad station soon will be underway.

Last week, the City Council approved the reconstruction of the north platform at the Metrolink and Amtrak depot to make it more customer-friendly. The 340-foot-long platform will be raised to allow commuters to more easily board trains, and will include lighting and a ramp for the disabled. The $135,000 project, the bulk of which is funded by state grants, is scheduled to begin this spring. The city will contribute $5,000 to the project.

In addition, the new owners of the Capistrano Depot, Manna Station Inc., plan to remove the broken-down chain-link fence along the north end of the railroad tracks and replace it with 500 feet of a new, tougher steel security fence. The same high-tech security fencing is used along the railroad tracks near the San Clemente Pier and along Capistrano Beach, Planning Director Thomas Tomlinson said.

The fence repair is only one aspect of the overall restoration of the historic depot, which officially reopened this week. The new owners have revamped the 12,000-square-foot station, which includes a new California-style steakhouse restaurant, as well as a bar, dance floor and outdoor patio.

“We’re excited that the depot is being restored to the condition that it’s supposed to be in, and we’re pleased to be in the city,� Roger Crawford, general manager of Manna, said.