MTA TO RESTORE 1890S TRAIN DEPOT.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

Hoping to add parking and save a historic train depot, the MTA announced plans on Friday to begin construction of a parking lot and to help restore the station as a museum.

Construction is expected to begin in the next two weeks on a parking lot with 218 spaces on the northwest corner of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards. An area surrounding a 104-year-old train depot, also located on the lot, would be left intact, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials.

The parking lot, expected to be complete in February, will be in addition to an existing lot with 919 stalls near the new Metro Red Line subway station, on the northeast corner of Lankershim and Chandler boulevards.

``The demand for parking at the North Hollywood Station has been high since the Metro Red Line began service to the San Fernando Valley earlier this year,'' said Jim de la Loza, MTA executive officer for countywide planning. ``This will provide additional service to our customers while preserving a historic landmark.''

Some neighborhood activists initially fought the parking plan, gathering 3,000 signatures supporting the depot restoration. Fearing the depot would be destroyed, supporters wanted to build a park on the property and restore the depot. Residents signed the petition shortly after the MTA suggested adding parking at the site after the opening of the subway station in June.

Now, residents and business owners are pleased with the new plans, and said they will move forward in the next few weeks with restoration plans, complete with a minipark and an old Pacific Electric Red Car trolley.

Southern Pacific Railroad built the depot in 1896. Passenger service along the line stopped in the 1950s. Hendricks Builders Supply Company leased the building from Southern Pacific in 1959. The MTA bought the building in 1991.

Officials estimate the cost of the restoration at $1 million. The money would come from the Community Redevelopment Agency, the MTA and grant funds.

``The link between our glorious past and a promising future will now be preserved for posterity,'' said Guy Weddington McCreary, chairman of the Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce transportation committee.

``The Romans have their new metro system, just like we have across the street here. Right next to their system is the Roman wall. And so this is our Roman wall.''

MTA officials hope to keep the temporary parking lot open for about three to five years, until workers can begin construction on a bus stop there in connection with the East/West Rapid Bus Transit corridor project estimated to be completed in 2003.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, map

Photo:

(1 -- 2) Built in 1896, this old train depot in North Hollywood will be restored by the MTA.MTA executive Dennis Mori, left, and Guy Weddington McCreary announce plans for an MTA-owned train depot site.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News

Map: Plans to build 218 parking spaces