The Snoqualmie City Council will convene for a special hybrid meeting on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 7 pm to discuss a potential development project that would construct a museum and park at the corner of Railroad Ave/SR 202 and Snoqualmie Parkway.
The proposed Pacific West Rail Model Train Museum project would be located on City owned property often referred to as Gateway Park. It would showcase one of the largest and most detailed 0-Scale model railroads in the United States – the Pacific West Rail model railroad.
The project would construct a 20,000 sq. ft. museum building to permanently house the extensive and detailed working model railroad, along with community event space, a gift shop, and other interactive features. The plans also include a park and other improvements to the City property.
The public is invited to attend the July 31 City Council special meeting, but to allow Councilmembers ample time to ask questions, a public comment period will not be provided. Alternatively, residents may submit comments to the Council via email to CouncilMembers@snoqualmiewa.gov or to the City Clerk at cityclerk@snoqualmiewa.gov. Mailed comments may be sent to City Clerk, PO Box 987, Snoqualmie, WA 98065. Comments must be received by 5 pm on July 31.
It is anticipated the proposed project, and associated development and lease agreements, will be presented to the Council for consideration during an August City Council meeting, at which point there will be additional time for public comment.
The July 31 meeting agenda, which includes instructions to access the Zoom meeting option, will be available by end of day, July 27 on the City website Meetings and Agendas page.
Background
In September 2022, model train collection owner, Peter Hambling, presented to the City Council a vision for an interpretive model train museum, featuring his extensive collection (valued at $4 million), to promote a cultural, historical, educational, and entertaining tourism experience. Mr. Hambling also considered other locations, including nearby North Bend and the City of Tacoma, to permanently house the model railroad, which is currently located in his Medina, WA home.
As authorized by the City Council in Dec. 2022, the City approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mr. Hambling, who further developed the proposed park and museum concept. The MOU also required the preparation of a development agreement and lease agreement.
For more information about the Pacific West Rail model railroad visit: https://www.pacificwestrail.org/
See conceptual images of proposed Pacific West Rail Museum below. **Please note: These are conceptual images, NOT final designs.**
