Carpenters offer volunteer service for historic trolley station

INDIANAPOLIS - Sept. 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Garfield Park in Indianapolis is home to the last standing wood trolley station in the state of Indiana. Constructed in the early 1900s, the century-old trolley station was in need of structural improvements, and Local 301 Member Action Committee (MAC) members of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC) eagerly agreed to help.

This project was an all-hands-on-deck collaboration funded by a Historic Preservation Fund 50/50 match grant. However, the grant did not cover all expenses, and volunteers were needed.

Steve Hoyt, Rick Russell, Brian Duncan and Marco Martinez from Local 301 MAC, .300 Hitters Chad Capps and Chris Vantreese and four apprentices volunteered for five days, totaling 80 work hours, to install wooden shakes on the structure that were donated by Formation Roofing in Indy. Additionally, Indy Parks painted the historic structure and will be pouring the concrete slab.

While working on the project, Local 301 MAC also discussed the importance of the quality of wood, craftsmanship and the Carpenter's contribution to the building of the United States through history. “We take a very active role in giving back to our community, and we do all we can to help preserve the history and integrity of our city and country,” commented Steve Hoyt of the IKORCC. “The IKORCC dates back to 1881, and we feel it’s our duty - even as we make huge strides in technology and our carpentry capabilities - to direct special attention to the structures that continue to teach and remind us of our nation’s history.”

Partners in the rehab project included the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology, Indianapolis Parks Foundation, Indy Parks, Friends of Garfield Park, Indiana Landmarks, Efroymson Family Fund, Owings Foundation and Indiana Trails Fund.

For more information, please contact Steve Hoyt at shoyt@ikorcc.com.

The Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters represents more than 32,000 professional tradespeople in 43 locals in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and parts of West Virginia and Tennessee. A proud affiliate of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which has a century-plus tradition of representing the best of the building trades, the council works in partnership with more than 30,000 contractors, helping them find the best possible talent for their projects. The hallmark of the regional council is three-fold: training, professionalism and partnerships for economic development.