The All Aboard Visalia campaign is moving forward. Over $1 million has been donated toward our $6 million goal to purchase and renovate the historic 1916 Southern Pacific Depot at 207 E. Oak Avenue into the city's own History Museum and Cultural Center.
1916
Post-WWII
1940-1970
In 1916, the Southern Pacific Depot opens its doors, quickly becoming Visalia's bustling gateway for travelers and agricultural trade across the region.
Following the Second World War, passenger rail travel peaks across California and begins a steady decline as modern highways expand.
For 30 years the depot was abandoned before being purchased, renovated, and reopened to become one of Visalia's favorite restaurants.
1971-2020
June 26, 2025
The Future Goal
The Southern Pacific Depot Station is purchased and reopened as The Depot Restaurant by Hap Cobb on Valentine's Day. Generations of families celebrated here.
Visalia Heritage opens escrow on the historic property, launching the active restoration phase to save this local landmark from decay.
The fully restored historic depot opens its doors to the public, reborn as Visalia's premier History Museum and Cultural Center.
Ways to Give
How to Support the All Aboard Visalia! Campaign
Mail a check to:
Visalia Heritage
P.O. Box 216
Visalia, CA 93279
Please include your name, address, & phone number.
Your gift can take many forms: one-time donations, three-year pledges, appreciated securities, gifts-in-kind, or named and memorial gifts. Every contribution, at any level, moves us closer to opening Visalia's first History Museum at 207 E. Oak Avenue.
Donor Voices
Why Our Community is Supporting the All Aboard Visalia! Campaign
"I'm very pleased to be a supporter of this project. It's near and dear to my heart. I have a lot of history from both parents who came to Visalia as early as 1903."
- William Martin
"We are the jewel of the San Joaquin Valley, and we have a long history of culture and blessings for being placed here in this community. I'm inviting you to share my vast enthusiasm for the Visalia Heritage Committee that has sponsored and renewed the idea that we can utilize the original train station of Visalia to be the home for a new cultural and historic museum."
- Marybeth Lyles Porter Seay
"We're very excited about the Visalia Heritage museum. We're approaching 200,000 in population, and we don't have a museum! The ability to locate at the old Depot Restaurant in one of the most iconic buildings in the community is a tremendous opportunity."
- Tom & Marcia Peltzer
Campaign Leadership
All Aboard Visalia! Leadership
Campaign Chairs
Sabrina Jimenez & Marty Zeeb
Marty Zeeb and Sabrina Jimenez have graciously agreed to chair the Visalia Heritage Steering Committee, which is guiding the organization’s $6 million campaign to turn The Depot into a cultural center museum.
Marty Zeeb, founder of Zeeb Commercial Real Estate, now Zeeb Pearson Commercial, has long been active in the Visalia community. He is past director of the Visalia Board of Realtors and past president of Visalia Jaycees. His affiliations include the Visalia County Center Rotary, Visalia YMCA, Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation and Visalia Community Rotary Foundation. He was named the Visalia Chamber’s 2023 Man of the Year for his dedication to improving Visalia and his long-standing support of community organizations.
“I’m really excited about this whole project to bring the culture and history of Visalia into one of the classic buildings in downtown. It will enliven the whole business community,” Marty said.
Sabrina Jimenez is a proud Visalia native and local business owner with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. She is a proven leader in healthcare operations, marketing and business development and has contributed to various nonprofit and development initiatives. She has recently bought an historic home and is deeply engaged in celebrating and safeguarding the city’s rich history.
“Visalia is more than my hometown,” Sabrina said. “It’s part of who I am. I believe our history deserves a permanent place to be preserved and cherished. Building this museum ensures that future generations feel that same pride in our roots and culture.”
Visalia Heritage Steering Committee 2026
Committee Members
Tony Casares
Nicole Cowan
Jeanette Ferreira
Brenna Keck
Rose Kirkpatrick
Cheryl Levitan
Amie Rangel
Mike Shuklian
Stan Simpson
Steve Strong
Sue Tharp
Executive Team
Walter Deissler
Alison Schlick Miniaci
Donna Orozco
Michael Kreps
Committee Chairs
Sabrina Jimenez
Marty Zeeb
Emeritus
Mondo Apodaca
Greg Collins
