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Spring Street Station, downtown Oxford’s newest restaurant and event venue, formally opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 4.

Located at 50 Spring Street, the event marked the culmination of a years-long effort to restore the 140-year-old Oxford Depot.

Owner Charlotte Hubbard, who also owns the popular Hubbard’s Off Main restaurant, worked with the Alabama Historical Commission to ensure that all guidelines for renovating a historic building were followed. This allowed Spring Street Station to become the first business in Oxford to take advantage of the Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit.

Also partnering in the project were Historic Main Street Oxford, Jay Jenkins Architecture, McWhorter Construction and Company, Opportunity Alabama, Southern Development Council, and Southern States Bank.

The East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railway constructed the Italianate-style depot and freight warehouse in 1884. The depot played a vital role in the development of Oxford’s economy by transporting cotton, iron, and people.

“Today is a momentous occasion as we celebrate the transformation and restoration of a true treasure of our city,” said Historic Main Street Oxford director Hunter Gentry, who noted that the depot had remained vacant since it ceased operations in 1962. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter for downtown Oxford.”

Mayor Alton Craft said seeing the depot become a new eatery has been an idea he has heard spoken of for many years.

“Those who can do, do, while others only talk about it,” Craft said. “Charlotte does it, and we thank her for it.”

Hubbard pointed out the many significant historical aspects of the depot, which have been restored, including much of the original flooring.

“We had to do some things differently, but I think we have preserved the building,” Hubbard said. “Our staff has worked really hard, and we will open to the public on Thursday.”

Hubbard said Spring Street Station’s operating hours will mirror those of Hubbard’s Off Main, except for Sundays, when the venue will be closed and made available to reserve for private functions. Space is also available to reserve for groups and meetings during the regular hours.

The menu of “upscale fast food” carries a train depot theme including Cow on the Tracks (burgers), Conductor’s Choice (wings), Station Dogs (specialty hot dogs), and Weigh In Scales (salads) with most everything priced at $12 and under along with a variety of soups, sides, sandwiches, and desserts.

A live music venue allows young artists to showcase their talents, making Spring Street Station a place for a weekend getaway lunch or dinner at affordable and competitive prices.