BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 A 130-year-old train depot in Old Town Kern could face demolition if Bakersfield City Council decides to end its lease agreement with Union Pacific Railroad.<\/p>\n
Sumner Station, built in the late 1800s and closed for more than five decades, has been a landmark in the community for generations. The historic depot was slated for demolition until city council intervened in 2021, signing a short-term lease to maintain and preserve the building.<\/p>\n
Now, some council members are considering ending that lease agreement, which could clear the way for the building’s destruction.<\/p>\n
“It is unique to our community, it has a history, and it’s a cultural asset to Bakersfield,” Councilmember Andrae Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
Gonzales has been one of the strongest advocates for preserving Sumner Station. <\/p>\n
“The lease agreement is actually zero dollars; it does not cost any money, it’s a free lease,” Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
Local residents support keeping the historic structure intact.<\/p>\n
“I think they should leave it here, I mean, it’s history, it’s old town Kern, you can’t take away that, it wouldn’t be the same without it,” Bakersfield resident Monica Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
Gonzales wants to extend the lease for at least one more year and push for a long-term agreement with Union Pacific. He believes renovating the depot could spark economic growth and help revitalize Old Town Kern.<\/p>\n
“For far too long, East Bakersfield has been neglected, has been overlooked. And so it’s important for us to still keep the faith and have a bold vision for Old Town Kern,” Gonzales said.<\/p>\n
City council is expected to vote Wednesday night on whether to continue the lease with Union Pacific.<\/p>\n
“Just remodel it, put it back together. Bring it back to life. Take a chance. You gotta bring it back,” Vasquez said.<\/p>\n
For now, Sumner Station remains standing, but its future will depend on what happens at City Hall this Wednesday.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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