BEVERLY SHORES, Ind. -- The South Shore Station at Beverly Shores has a new long-term lease with new partners that should secure the station's future for the next century.

The Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery, which manages the community landmark, has entered into a partnership with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) and Indiana Landmarks for a 100-year-lease, making the museum and art gallery a long-term tenant in the building.

“Partnerships form the backbone of our work across the state to preserve historic places,” says Brad Ward, president of Indiana Landmarks. “We are thrilled to work with regional leader NICTD to further the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery’s work to ensure this landmark is enjoyed by the community.”

In 1988, the Town of Beverly Shores first partnered with the museum and art gallery to use federal funding to restore this last remaining 1920s train depot on the South Shore Line after it had been slated for demolition. In 1989, the station was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

This new 100-year lease comes as the station's original 100-year lease with Northern Indiana Public Service Company neared its expiration date. Now, with this new agreement, the depot can continue serving the local community and the station can continue to act as a stop for the South Shore Line.

Indiana Landmarks will inform and guide the museum’s board on an as-requested basis, providing access to grants and other forms of assistance. To facilitate work on the building, NICTD will provide an initial $50,000 grant for needed repairs and an annual contribution to assist with ongoing maintenance.