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History

In 2000, Barry Fromm, the Chairman of Value Recovery Group, moved his burgeoning financial services group to 919 Old Henderson in Columbus, Ohio. Being next to the CSX mainline, he refurbished the main building as a state-of-the-art office facility and did it with a railroad theme, calling it the InfoDepot Business Center. When you drive up to InfoDepot Business Center (and The Depot) you will see the 1909 Vermont Central caboose, the Mr. Fromm's first acquisition. It still provides a quiet space for an intimate break out or a place to share conversation and refreshment.

In 2001 Fromm purchased the Brice depot (The Depot), an 1880's train depot that was formerly located in the village of Brice, Ohio. It was disassembled and brought to the InfoDepot property and painstakingly reassembled and modernized as a modern conference room with the best of amenities while maintaining every bit of the historical detail.

The conference area ceiling is original red pine bead board; the floors are hand-hewn hickory. The walls came from a 150-year-old Quaker church and the slate for the roof was originally on a 200-year-old barn. Tables were handcrafted by an Ohio Artist using 300 year old hardwoods, and Amish made tapestry-seat chairs were specially designed for a functionality and complementary style. Antique tables, benches, and train memorabilia add to make this a unique and attractive venue.

The Depot also has a large deck made of 150-year-old brick pavers complete with outdoor tables and chairs. Many events use this space as well. Tables can be setup in the manicured lawn in front of The Depot providing a casual experience for large groups.

Since The Depot's reconstruction, Fromm has populated it with some of the most interesting rail memorabilia to be found anywhere. Likewise, the property has blossomed with rail attractions. In 2004 Fromm added the Scioto Valley Railroad, a miniature train that encircles the property and provides a delightful ride for kids of all ages. In 2005, courtesy of the Ohio Railway Museum, Fromm added the Vulcan saddle tank locomotive. In 2006, the 1951, 85' long, Great Northern Ranch Dining car was added - one of two in existence. Today it is fully restored and available for use. For transportation, fun-rides, parades and advertising, Mr. Fromm purchased a Chance Trolley.

"Car 100", the private car of the Ringling Brothers Circus, arrive fall of 2007. It will be available for tours this year and be available in 2008 as Columbus' most unique bed and breakfast. For 2008, we are adding the second depot, a beautiful depot with a round waiting room from Prospect, Ohio (pardon the construction).

As you follow this evolution, you can see our commitment to the preservation of rail history and creating the a venue where you can share our enthusiasm for rail.

Accommodations

The Depot will accommodate 40 people conference style, 27 people in a hollow square, 24 people
U-shape, and up to 60 people casual reception style. The Great Northern Dining car can be used for break out sessions and it can accommodate 45 for dining. We also offer 2 smaller conference rooms in the InfoDepot Business Center.

Tours