Lawrence Platform Dedicated December 3, 2011

Platform Improvements Provide ADA-compliant Access

Lawrence, Kan. – On Saturday, December 3, 2011,  Lawrence's mayor and other dignitaries dedicated the rebuilding of the platform at Lawrence's historic mid-century modern Amtrak station. A cracked and uneven surface and deteriorating platform supports are among the problems being fixed by the new $1.5 million platform. New construction will be wheel-chair accessible and include a portable ramp for access to trains. New handicapped parking spaces and a nearby ramp will also make access to the platform easier.

After a false start in the spring, the project was redesigned to conform to historic preservation standards. The project incorporates many ideas from Lawrence architect Stan Hernly who was hired by the city of Lawrence to oversee developments at the station. Because the site has been declared eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, any project using federal funds must be reviewed for appropriateness.

Usage of the Lawrence station has reportedly risen more than 73 percent since Depot Redux formed and began campaigning to save the station. The city of Lawrence is considering assuming ownership of the station, which could allow the complete restoration of the historic station.

Depot Redux, the Lawrence-based citizen's organization that has promoted the preservation and restoration of the station, maintains a close relationship with Amtrak fostered through the Civic Conversations, workshops given by Amtrak's Great American Stations project. Depot Redux is also working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, the building’s owner, and the city of Lawrence to develop ownership and maintenance agreements that would insure the preservation of the historic depot and promote its best use.