Photo by Stephanie Elverd Norfolk Southern announced on Tuesday the company has purchased property at 428 N. Market St. in East Palestine to house a permanent field office and eventually the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center.

EAST PALESTINE — In the weeks following February’s Norfolk Southern train derailment, railroad CEO Alan Shaw said that Norfolk Southern would be there for the long haul.

On Tuesday, the company put down roots in the village, announcing the purchase of a building to open a permanent field office in the future.

The property is located at the corner of North Market and East Clark streets, next to the tracks and diagonally across the street from the historic East Palestine train depot.

“This permanent location is a testament to Norfolk Southern’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with the residents of East Palestine,” said Stacey Mansfield, director of Community Affairs at Norfolk Southern. “Our team looks forward to serving the community through our new field office and establishing a home for the long term.”

According to a NS press release, the property, which was the former Brittain Motors, will support both community engagement and operational functions. Eventually, the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance will also move to the location. The family center, which was originally at the Abundance of Life Church in New Waterford, leased the former Rebecca House Banquet on May 25. Since the derailment, NS business in the village has been operated from rented space inside the Centenary United Methodist Church.

“We’ve pledged our long-term commitment to East Palestine and this permanent field office is a physical symbol of that pledge,” Shaw said. “For the past six months, we’ve been leasing space at the Centenary United Methodist Church. The church has been a home away from home for hundreds of Norfolk Southern employees and contractors, and the congregation’s warmth and willingness to open their doors to us will never be forgotten.”

Building renovations will begin on the 428 N. Market St. property in the fall. That work will include updating the exterior with a brick facade to better match the aesthetic of the downtown district of East Palestine.

No confirmation was provided about when the field office will be operational.