Union Depot, Saint Paul, MN, USA

Historic multimodal transportation hub, recently renovated by Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority.

Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul has been revitalized into a multimodal transportation hub with regional and national significance. The 33-acre site has being transformed from a defunct rail station to an active transportation center in the heart of a thriving urban neighborhood. Union Depot is a historic gem that will be the terminus of Twin Cities’ newest LRT line, connecting the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Having just reopened following two years of construction, the $243 million renovation generated approximately 4,400 jobs. The revitalized Union Depot features a green overlook to the Mississippi River with views up and downstream to an active working riverfront. It connects to the river physically and visually as barriers were removed and new views opened up. Air raid blackout paint from World War II has been taken off massive skylights in the vaulted waiting room where passengers will chose from light rail, local and inter-city bus service, taxis, Amtrak service—and in the future—commuter rail and high speed rail to Chicago. These modes, together with motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrian traffic, will create a magnet for shopping and entertainment.

The mixed-use transportation center already includes condominiums and restaurants and is blocks away from a year-round farmers market and lofts. The project will receive LEED Silver certification, utilizing some of the most innovative environmental and energy efficient techniques available.

The project is expected to ignite a transformation of the Lowertown neighborhood, and the unique combination of historic preservation and future multimodal transportation will make Union Depot a model for the rest of the country.