Originally built in 1920, the Union Depot successfully served as the Twin Cities train station until 1974 when Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority placed it on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now 40 years, $243 million and two years of restoration later, the Union Depot reopened to the public in December 2012.
The restored landmark flawlessly serves at a multimodal transportation hub for the Twin Cities and is home base to more than 300 daily Metro Transit buses and all of Jefferson Lines intercity routes. Come end of 2014, the Union Depot will be terminus for Amtrak services and the Metro Transit Green Line, connecting the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Photo courtesy of the Union Depot
The 33-acre historic building, now fully functioning as our city’s public transportation hub, is offering free biweekly public tours of the newly resorted historic train station. Overlooking the Mississippi River, home to condominiums and restaurants, and utilizing some of the most innovative environmental and energy efficient techniques, this is a look at a transformed historic gem you’ll want to see.
Plus, if you visit this Saturday, the Union Depot will be at the center of the Northern Spark all-nights art celebration, showcasing the first of 10 public art installations (including “Union Table,” pictured) that will be installed in the building.
All aboard!
Tip: Print out your registration confirmation the day of your tour to receive a free beverage when you dine in the main room of the Union Depot at Christos.
