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Greg Oliver

Central Railway Model and Historical Society President Jim Reece, left, and Central Town Administrator Phillip Mishoe say restoration of the 113-year-old Allen House is a win-win situation.

CENTRAL — Although the reopening of the historic Allen House into a welcome center and railroad museum won’t officially occur until next year, Central Railway Model and Historical Society President Jim Reece is pleased with the progress being made so far.

“We’re still a couple of months away from building a model railroad inside the building,” Reece said, adding that 900 square feet of space would be required in the heritage room to display that H Scale model.

While Reece said the grand opening of the new welcome center and railroad museum won’t take place until the railroad festival next spring, the building itself is still being used.

“Our club (consisting of 35 members, representing Oconee, Pickens, Anderson and Spartanburg counties) began holding monthly meetings here this month,” Reece said. Previously, the club held its meetings at the Central Clemson Regional Branch Library.

Railroad association members have long desired to have a permanent location to display model railroads and other train memorabilia. In 2006, Central Town Council, which purchased the Allen House on Werner Street, voted to allow Mayor Mac Martin and the association to continue efforts toward making the home the permanent headquarters of the association.

Built in 1895, and consisting of 1,800-2,000 square feet, the Allen House once served as a residential apartment. After Central took over the building, Administrator Phillip Mishoe said renovations, such as cleaning the siding, sealing, painting and roof work, were performed on the exterior.

While Mishoe added that the town has performed air conditioning and ductile work to the interior, the railroad club has gutted and repainted walls.

“It’s kind of a joint effort,” Mishoe said.

“They do some, and we do some, and together, we get it done,” he added.

Reece said the museum would also feature a garden railroad, with tracks extending all the way around the building. He added that some club members have researched the possibility of purchasing handcars for the facility.

Though no specific hours of operation have yet been established, Reece said he is looking at Saturdays and Sundays, since he believes those days will generate the largest turnout. The meeting room not only will be used for railroad club members, but Reece said the Central Planning Commission and other groups would be welcome to use the room.

“The town has cooperated and been very pleasant to work with,” Reece said.

Mishoe said the town is pleased to be partnering with the railroad club, adding that both sides stand to benefit from a new and improved Allen House.

“They’re going to have a railroad museum, and we’re getting the Allen House refurbished, as well as a meeting room and welcome center,” Mishoe said.

“They’re getting something, we’re getting something and we’re both happy,” he said.