Union Station: Washington DC

The historic Beaux-Arts Union Station in Washington DC has been completely renovated. Somehow it was disappointing. Maybe because of Covid-19 it was virtually empty, an unnatural state for a big transportation hub. Even the Christmas decorations that were still up, didn’t fill the void.

The huge tree was festooned with miniature American flags and oversized wreaths hung along the outside arches helped set off the beautiful views of the nearby Capitol. We made this visit just days before the assault on the Capitol before the city was barricaded, fencing now obscuring many views and access points. We took another ride around the District last week and it is unsettling to see razor wire and soldiers with guns.

Completed in 1908, the station’s heyday was in the 40s when it served 42,000 people daily. After World War II things didn’t go so well for the once elegant station. Cheaply done repairs, a changing transportation landscape with more cars on the road, a rainstorm causing part of the iconic glass ceiling to collapse, an earthquake, and poor design changes all contributed to its demise. In spite of its decline, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, and eventually, the National Trust stepped in and led the way for restoration.

As a Federally-owned structure with private developers, it has been quite a process. Massive fund-raising efforts and years of dedication, followed by painstakingly detailed restoration work were combined with newly repurposed areas and digital features. The ceilings are beautiful. I look forward to post-Covid days when we can venture into the city and Union Station by metro train.

View from the station.
Service areas on one level and a massive food court below.

7 Comments on “Union Station: Washington DC

  1. Looks powerful and historic. It is great that the classic train stations have survived and are being renovated. With airports the old terminals just get torn down.

  2. The architecture and your photography are so very beautiful and interesting. We don’t build structures like this anymore. What a shame! Thanks for the history and current status of this historic site
    Sue

  3. I used to spend quite a bit of time coming and going from Union Station when I lived in Philadelphia and had clients in DC. Both DC and Philadelphia had their revivals during my times there and the before and after were incredible. I’m happy to see DC remains beautiful. Thanks for the fond memory!

I love hearing from my readers!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: