Going Green at Rocheport's Katy Boxcar

Who would have thought that a 70-year-old boxcar would ever be the recipient of a "green" renovation! As we restore the Katy Boxcar into the Katy Boxcar Guesthouse at the Katy Trail B&B, we're making it as eco-friendly as possible. One day we're working with blow in cellulose insulation and paperless sheet rock, the next we're uncovering the original 2 inch thick walnut flooring and working with locally sourced materials. Last week I was dismantling a 65-year-old greenhouse in St. Louis in 35 degree weather to reuse the cypress tongue and groove decking, which will become the new, weather-tight exterior walls on the boxcar... What a journey... It's not every day you get to bring a boxcar back to life! Going green makes sense, and it will also ensure that your stay is as comfortable as can be. So if you pass by the Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport, and you see a few tarps flapping on the Katy Boxcar, please help spread the word that we're making sure it's around for another 70 years! When it's done later this season, it will have 3 spacious beds, its own bathroom with tub/shower combo, and a small kitchenette, and plenty of comfortable space to relax after a BBQ or hot tubing. So whether you are a railroad buff, have a Thomas-the-Tank-Engine-crazy kid (like me!), or just love the Katy Trail, check it out! It's going to be a great place to enjoy Rocheport. All renovations will be complete in time for your summer adventures. See you on the trail!

I think that using the old boxcar is awsome! My daughter just loves the
Gertrude Chandler Warner books "The Boxcar Children". That will be a
fun surprise for her to someday stay in a rel boxcar!

The Katy Boxcar came out nicer than we expected. It is a cozy space, and everyone says it feels a lot larger on the inside than they expected (for example, a Boxcar has about double the space of a caboose...). We were able to refinish the old Boxcar floors while also including enough comfort and convenience with a top notch shower / restroom that it is definitely part history and part "just what you would hope for." The lofts seem to have a timeless draw for both kids (of course) and older generations too - there's something about being in a unique space like this, similar to cabins, where you just can't help but be in a good mood. We have added quite a few creature comforts to make this a great perch from which to enjoy Rocheport and the Katy Trail. Be sure to peek your head in and check it out next time you're in town, we're proud to show it off!