Construction delays appear to be nearing an end for the Crossville Model Railroad Club’s new 3,000-square-foot facility on West Avenue.
Public Relations Spokesperson Ann Grogitsky said the organization expects to begin construction shortly after resolving several administrative requirements. Grogitsky said the club recently transitioned to a non-profit status to better facilitate community donations and business sponsorships for the project.
“It’ll be so important because we are, or were, the second biggest attraction in Cumberland County next to the playhouse,” Grogitsky said. “I mean, we were getting 30,000 or more people a, a year. And being shut down for three years, it’s very frustrating.”
Grogitsky said the club secured a $110,000 donation to cover the building shell and excavation work, but additional funds are needed to finish the interior. Grogitsky said the organization is currently spending $500 per month for storage and making payments toward the purchase of the West Avenue property while waiting to build.
“We’re still holding on because we still have some funds, luckily, that we saved towards something like this, figuring that something like this would happen,” Grogitsky said. “But like I said, financially, we do need support from the community and from businesses.”
Grogitsky said the new 50-by-60-foot building will feature layouts for four main scales. Grogitsky also said the facility will include a Thomas the Tank Engine table for children to use.
“We are more than anxious to get going,” Grogitsky said. “Like I said, a lot of our members are just on pins and needles waiting for something to happen. And once, once things start to happen, we think that people are gonna come by and, and want to donate and things like that, and that’s why we’re waiting for the 501(c)(3).”
Grogitsky said the club has seen some members drop out due to discouragement over the three-year closure, but she expects interest to return once construction is visible. Grogitsky said the organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September with an annual picnic intended to reconnect with former members.
“Once the building starts, people are gonna see, ‘Okay, they’re finally getting something,’ and they’re gonna ask if they can donate and our members will start coming back,” Grogitsky said.
Grogitsky said the club previously operated as a 501(c)(7) organization, which limited its ability to solicit the donations required for the new construction.
“I’m optimistic and I think that once we get going, that the future of the Crossville model railroad club will be great,” Grogitsky said. “I think the community is behind us. I know that.”
