Benefits of Restoration

The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and father of the station restoration movement said that, "…station restoration is more than simply a tribute to our past; it is also an investment in our future."(1) It is usually a linchpin to development and the beginning of our contribution to the revitalization of the downtown. It is also an impetus for economic growth and aesthetically and economically benefits the community and surrounding region. Just as importantly, restoration and redevelopment improves Amtrak customer service and satisfaction.

The Great American Stations Foundation 2001 report, "Rail Stations: At the Heart of America's Communities," outlined the many benefits of station restoration. Excerpted from the report with permission is "Station Investment Builds Stronger Communities" by the foundation's then-president Hank Dittmar:

Stations are At the Heart of America's Communities

Whether they are on Main Street or in Downtown, America's great stations were built at the core of American cities and towns, and hence at the core of our increasing metropolitan economy. Cities that invest in station projects are making a visible commitment to downtown revitalization....

Station Projects Can Become Economic Activity Centers

America's great train stations and depots were often built on a grand scale, even in smaller cities. In many cases, the opportunity exists to remake the train station into a mixed-use center of economic activity, while still accommodating train and bus service. In fact, the continual throughput of passengers makes train stations attractive locations for both office and retail. The new station facilities, which have included other uses, have stimulated employment and retail sales. Washington's Union Station contains an entire shopping center with 140 shops and restaurants, and it's a sought after retail location.... The South Station project in Boston renovated 134,000 square feet of office space, 15,000 square feet of retail space and accommodated about 60 new jobs.

Smaller stations have also been successful in integrating commercial uses. In Memphis, the former Illinois Central offices have become attractive loft housing.

Station Revitalization Catalyzes Community Revitalization

Meridian's Union Station project has sparked over $10 million of reinvestment in the surrounding downtown, because the business community recognized the stake the City has made in its future. In Washington, DC, a study conducted in the mid-nineties found that 13 million square feet of privately developed office space followed the Union Station restoration.... Lafayette, Indiana's station project has prompted a $36 million development adjacent to the station and pedestrian bridge project.

Station Revitalization Engages the Community

Time after time, cities find that station renovations spark tremendous demand for community use of the facility.... Train stations are often the largest and grandest public space in a community. They are one of the last expressions of greatness in public architecture, and one of the few places where everybody in a community comes together. Remaking train stations is about knitting community back together.

1. Originally published in "The Great American Station Foundation Guidebook on Train Station Revitalization" (1998), p. IV. Reprinted with permission.