Train Stations That Still Got It: Portland, Oregon's Union Station
In yet another argument for improving the rail network of the USA, we turn to the impressive Union Station in the Chinatown section of Portland, Oregon. Even if you aren't arriving by the Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight or Empire Builder trains and you flew in to this here town, the station is worth a visit for its historical and architectural significance (not to mention that sweet Romanesque clock tower).
As you can see in the above image, the stations is undergoing something of a refurbishment. Sadly, this won't be to add more train services—oh how we'd love to see some hi-speed trains making stops here—but to add housing in places where railroad track used to be.
As expected, this gorgeous building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so it won't be going anywhere for a while. Inside, you'll find Amtrak's only First Class lounge on the west coast, plus a classic waiting hall complete with neon-lit Baggage Claim signs and marble details.
According to good old Wikipedia, the "initial design for the station was created in 1882 by McKim, Mead, and White. Had the original plan been built, the station would have been the largest train station in the world." Of course, that was then and this is now.
[Photos: Jaunted]
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