When I started on this project, I began with what I know and worked backwards.  I knew that there was a restaurant located at 400 North Lemon Street, Sarasota, Florida. It is called Station 400. It began operating in 2009.  More research revealed that the building was actually an old railroad station.from 1852.  The station was from Kentland, Indiana. This was preceded by a restaurant called the Sierra Station.  This opened in 2004.

New York Central Railroad Depot Kentland, Indiana

     During the early 2000’s there was a couple named Monica and Al Tomlison.  They were developers interested in.renovation of the Rosemary district in Sarasota.  They purchased and refurbished multiple buildings in this area.  One of their projects was a parking lot which became tHe site of Sierra Station.

Station 400

     Around this time Al Tomlison became aware of the fact that a railroad Depot was for sale in Englewood.    Apparently, a physician purchased the 1852 station from Kentwood Indiana.  He had it shipped to Englewood, Florida in 1981. His intent was to use the building as a private railroad museum. A few later the doctor sold the land on which the depot was located.  Mr. Tomlinson bought the depot and relocated into a parking lot in Sarasota.

Station 400

   The railroad depot was converted to a restaurant first Sierra  and then Station 400.  Thus the mystery was solved

Station 400

McCrory Building

McCrory Building

     The McCrory Building is located at 433 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, Fl.  It was built in 1904.  Architect is unknown.  Building style is unknown.  It is a four story building.  Signs was installed in 1929.  The building was sold to Tricera  Capital for 6 million dollars in April, 1919.  Now houses multiple retail stores.

 Bob’s Train

     Bob’s Train Restaurant is located at 2211 Fruitville Road Sarasota.  It is located in an abandoned parking lot. It consists of multiple railroad cars acquired by owner Bob Horne. One of the renovated cars functions as a dining room. Two cars are literally a museum with multiple pictures on the walls.

Private Car John and Mabel Ringling

     The oldest car dates to 1916.  It was the private car.of John and Mabel Ringling.

Entrance to Restaurant

Dining Area

Menu

Dining Area

Railroad Cars

Private Dining Area

Railroad Car with Multiple Pictures on Both Walls

     The restaurant  owner is Bob Horne.  He has hadv many careers throughout the years.  Early in his life, he was a ringmaster and circus performer for multiple circuses.  During our visit  he provided us with a history of his life and his acquisition of multiple railroad cars.  An interesting note is the restaurant waitress was a member of the Wallenda circus family