Kannapolis, NC (KAN)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2011

$552,549

Station Ridership

FY 2011

16,951

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

The modern Kannapolis station opened in December 2004, with a grand opening the following February 23rd, 2005. This building replaced a temporary facility, which had in turn taken the place of the former train station, and was under construction from 2003.

The current station, built in Colonial Revival style, blends into the architecture of the downtown area where it sits. Unique features of the building include high ceilings and a cupola modeled after the city’s logo and architectural accents consistent with the general colonial style. In addition to the Amtrak facility, the station provides meeting space for the City Council and other boards and commissions.

The station was designed by the Raleigh architecture firm, Gomes & Staub, and the construction overseen by contractor Titus Construction. State funds provided 90% of the funding for the $3.1 million project. The City of Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, and the Cannon Foundation provided the rest: the City of Kannapolis provided $105,000, Cabarrus County $60,000, and the Cannon Foundation $75,000.

The new station lies north of the original Main Street depot, which was small and noncompliant with ADA requirements. Public funds could not be used to renovate the old depot because it is privately owned, and a clear title could not be found.

Kannapolis lies in the piedmont of North Carolina and is considered part of the greater Charlotte region. Prior to the 20th century, the area was principally farms. Then, in 1906, James William Cannon purchased several farms to build the Cannon Mills Company upon. Under the guidance of Cannon’s son, Charles, Cannon Mills became one of the world’s largest textile producers, and a household name. The city began as a small village of Craftsman-style homes, a company town. However, in 1982, David Murdoch took over Cannon Mills, still headquartered in Kannapolis, and in 1986 merged it with another household name, Fieldcrest Mills. Fieldcrest Cannon was in turn sold to Pillowtex of Dallas, Texas, resulting in the largest one-day layoff in North Carolina history, on July 30, 2003.

In 1984 the citizens of Kannapolis voted to turn their incorporate their town, thereby forming the 16th largest municipality in North Carolina. The citizens knew that the mills might close, and prepared beginning in the 1990s, identifying growth areas in the community and annexing several business parks by the turn of the twenty-first century. And, in 2005, Murdoch, owner of Dole Foods, Inc., together with the University of North Carolina system opened the North Carolina Research Campus downtown, a massive scientific and economic revitalization project, on the 250-acre site of the former Cannon Mills Plant One. Duke University has joined the Research Center to contribute to a study of diseases.

Kannapolis noted residents include Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., all famous NASCAR drivers.

Amtrak provides both ticketing and baggage services at this facility.

Kannapolis is served by six daily trains.