Issaquah Depot Rental
Looking for someplace special to hold your event? The historic setting and rustic charm of the Depot’s Freight Room might be just the ticket!
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Issaquah, renters ​find it perfect for everything from birthday and holiday parties, showers, reunions, weddings, and celebrations of life to team meetings, performances, open mic nights, classes, conferences, and community events.
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Situated on the south end of the Issaquah Depot Museum, the Freight Room boasts original wood flooring, and if you look carefully at the interior walls, you can see the lumber stamp “Geo. W. Tibbetts & Co. Squak Valley W.T.” Both remnants of its 1889 construction. The room also features a mural depicting the town’s early history along with several artifacts and other pictorial history on display.
The Facility & Rentals
The Issaquah Train Depot was restored over a period of ten years through all-volunteer efforts. Today, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Depot's Freight Room can be rented for both private and public events. And for every rental at the Depot, ten percent of your rental amount goes into a fund that helps to maintain this historic building.
Our standard rental rates are designed to be competitive, whereas our nonprofit rates are intended to support small nonprofits with limited means.
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Thank you for choosing to support local history, the greater Issaquah community, and Issaquah History Museums.
Rates
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Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) are $85/hour; Weekends (Friday-Sunday) are $110/hour.
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Small nonprofits and charities may qualify for the lower rates of $40/hour and $50/hour, respectively.
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There is a 3 hour minimum that must include the renter's set up and clean up time.​
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A security deposit of $300 is also required at the time of payment. This deposit is fully refundable if the space is left clean and no damage has occurred.
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Rates are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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​Where is the historic Issaquah Depot Museum located?
The Depot is located at 78 First Avenue NE in downtown Issaquah at Depot Park – which is centrally located within walking distance of a variety of local restaurants, shops, library, community center, and IHM’s second facility, Gilman Town Hall.
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What is the process to reserve the Depot’s Freight Room?
You need to submit our Reservation Inquiry form (below) or email your rental details to: rentals@issaquahhistory.org. We’ll check the availability, send you a quote, and when you’re ready to book, we’ll issue a contract. After we receive the signed contract, an invoice will be emailed to you. Your reservation is not confirmed until payment has been received.
May I view the space before committing to a rental?
Yes, we encourage you to do so. The Depot is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00a - 3:00p; or you may contact us to schedule a time during the week (Monday-Thursday) when the space is not in use.
What is included in my rental?
Your rental includes the use of the Depot's Freight Room, a small kitchenette, bathroom, eight 6’ x 3’ tables, chairs, benches, one stool (seating for approximately 56), and A/V equipment (projector/screen/two small speakers). The kitchenette is equipped with a sink, mini-refrigerator, small microwave, and two-burner electric stovetop. Rates also include a 10% City maintenance fee for the upkeep of the building. An IHM representative will be assigned to let you in and check you out at the end of your event.
What is your Rental Cancellation Policy?
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Cancellation 60 or more days in advance = 100% of deposit will be returned
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Cancellation 30-59 days in advance = 75% of deposit will be returned
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Cancellation 14-29 days in advance = 50% of deposit returned
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Cancellation less than two weeks in advance will result in forfeiture of deposit
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Can anyone rent the Depot?
Almost! Political events are not allowed. Our contract with the City of Issaquah (who owns the building) explicitly prohibits rentals for political purposes.
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How large is the Depot’s Freight Room and how many does it accommodate?
The room measures 24 feet by 37 feet, and includes a kitchenette, restroom, and storage closet. The space has good acoustics and is well lit with several lighting options. It can accommodate up to 75 standing and mingling, 60 people in theater-style seating, or 48 people at tables with space left over for a buffet table, etc.
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Is the Depot air conditioned?
The building is not, but there are fans available for your use if needed. The four large doors on both the east and west walls of the room also open providing ample airflow.
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Who handles the set up and clean up?
You! We provide tables and chairs as well as cleaning supplies for your use. We also ask that you ensure someone in your party can handle the setup of your technical needs if you plan to use our A/V equipment (large screen, projector, and speakers).
Can I get in early to set up for my event?
No. The time you book must include time for you to set up prior to the start of your event and time for cleanup afterwards.
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May I decorate the Depot’s Freight Room?
You are welcome to use tabletop and floor standing decorations for your event, but due to the historical significance of the building, anything attached to the walls, doors, or ceiling by means of adhesive, tacks, pushpins, nails, string, and other sticky substance, or use of open flames or candles are strictly prohibited.
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Do you offer any catering services or recommendations?
You can use any catering service you wish. That is not a service we provide, but if you need help, Visit Issaquah has a wealth of resources to assist with your planning.
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Is alcohol allowed at my event?
Alcohol (beer/wine/spirits) is allowed inside the Freight Room but is not allowed outside on the platform or surrounding grounds. For private, invitation-only gatherings, it requires a Banquet License. For one-time events where you plan to sell alcohol, it requires a Special Occasion License. If using a caterer and their staff will be serving for you, check with them, they may already have the proper license. You must apply for and purchase all licenses through the WA State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
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Can we visit the museum during my rental?
The Depot Museum is not included in your rental. However, if the Depot Museum open hours coincide with your rental, your guests are welcome to visit (there is no admission fee, although donations are appreciated). If your event is held outside the museum’s operating hours, for an additional fee, we can arrange a private tour.
Are there activities for children?
Children can play on the grounds at Depot Park, there is also a playground just outside the Depot at Veterans’ Memorial Field, and if the Depot Museum is open, a visit to the caboose is always a hit!
Where is parking available?
There is free parking next to the Depot, as well as in other convenient lots and on-street parking nearby. Parking in downtown Issaquah is first come, first served and cannot be reserved.
Does your insurance cover my event?
It does not. Our insurance only provides liability protection for Issaquah History Museums.
Making a Reservation
Complete and submit the Reservation Inquiry form to the right and we will contact you to follow up.
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If you have questions and prefer to contact us before submitting the form, email: rentals@issaquahhistory.org.