Fayetteville’s historic downtown train depot on Lanier Ave. East is now under private ownership and will be used for special events. The property was purchased last summer by David and April Mowell, of the same family that owns the Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service next door to the depot. The 1902 building, operated by the railroad until 1939, was owned by the city and later used for office and event space. It has now been renovated to upgrade the ceilings, floors and bathrooms as well as add a large deck.

Renamed the Fayette Depot, the space will be available for funeral-related functions but also rented to the public for other occasions. The facility plans to have an open house later this spring. Brian Wismer, the city’s economic and development director, said the city is “happy to see the Mowell Family preserve [the depot] for future generations.”