By the late 1870's and 1880's Flowery Branch had become the shipping point for cotton and other products from the surrounding county areas. The Southern Railway depot was constructed in 1901. The depot was purchased from the railroad by the City of Flowery Branch in 1972 and renovated soon afterwards. Since the renovation in 1972, the building has deteriorated. The restoration that was done was not to that of the original structure.

With Transportation Enhancement funds, the second renovation of the depot included relocating the building to a new site directly across a narrow street (approximately 50 feet from original site) that the city owns in order to insure the building is protected in the future. The project also included construction of a new foundation system, removal of plywood and batten siding, replacement of inappropriate wood shakes with simulated slate composition shingles, installation of new platform, railing, steps and ramps. Restoration was done to more closely resemble the original 1901 construction.

The location of the depot is in the State Registered Commercial Historic District of Flowery Branch and is nominated to be part of the National Register.

The city is pursuing to amend the National Register Nomination to include the depot now that the rehabilitation has been completed. It is listed in the State Historic Register.

The project was completed in May 2001. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held in July 2001. The depot will be used for a civic center. Civic Organizations will be allowed to use the facility for meetings and events. The facility may also offer potential to be used as a commuter rail line station between Atlanta and Gainesville.

Please click on the picture for a larger view