Rachel Sadon
Conceptual renderings for an updated Amtrak passenger concourse at Union Station (Courtesy of KGP/Grimshaw).
Discussions of how to overhaul the drab and crowded Union Station have been underway for years, but plans are finally chugging along to bring one of the busiest train stations in the country up to the speed of the 21st century.
Amtrak announced on Monday that its part of the larger plan—which also involves the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, the Federal Railroad Administration, and real estate developer Akridge—will include nearly doubling the size of the passenger concourse, (much-needed) new restrooms, a ClubAcela lounge, and renovations to the boarding gates.
Work on the 20,000 square feet of additions will begin this spring, though, more disruptive work won’t start until next year. It is slated to be completed by 2019.
Meanwhile, WMATA will be adding a new Metro staircase and a new entrance on First Street to the busiest station in the system.
The Federal Railroad Administration is holding a public forum this evening to present these and other design elements of the expansion plan, including changes to “rail infrastructure; public concourses; parking, bus, and taxi facilities; retail space; and public open spaces.” There will be an open house from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tonight at Union Station’s East Hall, with formal presentations at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
