Saturday, April 18, 2015

Union Station


I posted a photo of this station before but, it's been several years ago.  I took this photo recently and I'm sad to say it looks exactly the same.  The station was built in 1923 by the Santa Fe and Arizona Eastern (now Southern Pacific) Railways.  It's Mission Revival style and is designated a national historic place.

Amtrak no longer runs through Phoenix so the station has not been used since 1996 with the exception of a few special occasions like when the Olympic Torch passed through Phoenix.

There has been talk about putting in a high speed rail line between Phoenix and Tucson but nothing has been settled yet and even if that does happen I doubt this station would be used.  I sure wish someone would do something unique with this wonderful old building.  I love to see it busy with people once again.
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11 comments:

  1. Steve ReedApril 18, 2015 at 3:46 AM

    Seems like it could be used for retail or something, doesn't it? I don't know where it's located in town, though...maybe it's not an ideal location.

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  2. KateApril 18, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    Before I read your comments I immediately thought of Santa Fe. These buildings should be put to good and attractive use by some enterprising person or business. High speed rail can be costly and controversery—don't hold your breathe.

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  3. KathyApril 18, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    It's indeed a lonely building. As I recall, it's not in a very upscale part of town. I think its future is grim. Maybe you could spearhead a movement to bring it back to life!

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  4. PerthDailyPhotoApril 18, 2015 at 5:20 AM

    Looks so sad Sharon.. Maybe an art gallery in future what do you think, is there a suggestion box :)

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  5. LowellApril 18, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    There are several Union Stations around the country. I remember the one from Los Angeles. This is a really fine old building and I'm glad that it's been so designated which means it won't be destroyed.

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  6. RedPatApril 18, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    It's amazing that no trains go through here anymore, Sharon!

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  7. William KendallApril 18, 2015 at 11:53 AM

    It's a building that deserves some use.

    There's a station in a town here in Ontario. Passenger service on that line was discontinued, and an art group bought the station and use it as gallery space.

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  8. JackApril 18, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    For an unused building, it doesn't look too bad, but it would be good to see more activity.

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  9. RandyApril 18, 2015 at 8:14 PM

    I love that old station.

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  10. JudyApril 20, 2015 at 3:25 PM

    Seems a shame to just let it sit there and deteriorate. I can remember Grandma and Grandpa Stevenson arriving on the train.

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  11. UnknownApril 23, 2015 at 3:25 AM

    So different from our train stations! :-)

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