A piece of Southern Pacific history comes to Indio

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  - A 1951 stainless steel train car that once rolled across the country is getting a new life in the Coachella Valley.

Gloria Franz, board trustee for the Coachella Valley History Museum and second vice president, said the Coachella Valley History Museum is turning it into a replica of a Southern Pacific dining lounge car.

“The Coachella Valley was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad,” said Franz. “Trains like this used to go through here on a regular basis, and it was a very common way to travel.”

She said the entire project has cost about $250,000 so far.

"That includes buying it, transporting it from Indiana, having to go through 3 different train operators, bring it by train into La Mirada to a train station there where it needed some work," Franz said. "We’ve replaced all of the windows. We've done some minor repairs to the outside. The interior has been completely gutted."

She said the goal is to teach visitors about the railroad’s impact on the region while also making the space available for events.

“We want people to experience and make their own memories in the car,” Franz said.

The project extends beyond the railcar, Franz said it will include an outdoor platform, drought-tolerant garden, a native plant section and a replica of a desert submarine.

Franz said officials are currently working on getting bids for fundraising.

She encouraged anyone interested in getting involved to contact the museum.

"We'd love to talk to anyone who maybe has history about Southern Pacific Railroad," Franz said. "We want to make sure we tell the story in more than one point of view."

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.