OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) - The City of Opelika officially renamed its historic downtown train depot the Bobby J. Freeman Building on Friday, paying tribute to the former mayor whose vision helped shape the city’s future.
A ceremony took place at the depot, where city officials, community members, and Freeman’s family gathered to celebrate his legacy. Freeman served as Mayor of Opelika for two terms, from 1996 to 2004, and is credited with laying the groundwork for several of the city’s most impactful developments.
“Another great day in the life and times of our city,” said current Mayor Gary Fuller. “That Bobby Freeman lived here, that he served as our mayor, and the great things he did—I’m so glad we could honor his legacy with this dedication.”
Freeman is widely recognized for his role in securing the Grand National Golf Course development in Opelika, which became part of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Fuller recalled how Freeman learned Dr. David Bronner of the Retirement Systems of Alabama was scouting for new golf course locations.
“Bobby heard Dr. Bronner was interested in a course in Auburn or Opelika,” Fuller said. “So he took it upon himself to go see him—showed him the property at Saugahatchee Lake. And the rest is history.”
That meeting led to the development of the Grand National, the Marriott Resort, and National Village—projects that continue to benefit Opelika economically and culturally decades later.
Today, the depot building serves a new purpose. It houses three First Class Pre-K classrooms operated by Envision Opelika, offering high-quality early education to local four-year-olds. Just a few years ago, the city had no such classrooms. Now there are six across Opelika.
“What a great use of this facility,” Fuller added. “We can thank Mayor Freeman and community leaders like Ann Cadden for helping save and repurpose this depot.”
The Opelika Depot sits at a unique crossroads—literally. Behind the building lies a “frog,” where two major rail lines intersect: one running east-west, the other north-south. Before the interstate, this depot was a vital hub of travel and commerce.
“Rail was our highway back then,” Fuller said. “This building stands as a reminder of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.”
As the city continues to grow, leaders say remembering the efforts of past mayors like Freeman is essential.
“Sometimes people ask, ‘What was Mayor Freeman thinking?’” Fuller said. “I may not know exactly—but I know he did the best he could with what he had. That’s all any of us can do.”
The Bobby J. Freeman Building now stands not only as a tribute to the past—but a symbol of the city’s commitment to honoring its roots while investing in its future.
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