Union Depot (Muskegon, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Union Depot
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 610 Western Ave., Muskegon, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1895 |
| Built by | Rowson Brothers & Company |
| Architect | Sidney J. Osgood, Amos W. Rush |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001489 |
| Added to NRHP | December 7, 2000 |
The Union Depot is a historic train station in Muskegon, Michigan. It stands at 610 Western Avenue. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000. Today, it serves as the main office for the Muskegon County Convention & Visitor's Bureau.
What is the Union Depot?
The Union Depot is a large, two-story building. It was designed in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style uses strong, heavy stone and brick. The depot has a tall, four-story tower. It also has a big, sloped roof.
Building Materials and Design
The walls of the depot are made from red brick. They also use rough-cut sandstone. The roof edges stick out far from the building. This gives it a unique look. The building looks almost the same on both sides. Only a small part, where the baggage room used to be, breaks this perfect balance.
Main Entrance and Porches
You enter the building through a deep archway. This arch is made of large sandstone blocks. The sides of the building have roofs that hang over. These create deep porches. These porches lead to where the train platform used to be. The back of the building has a half-round section. This is where the ticket office once was.
Inside the Depot
Inside, the main waiting room is very grand. It has a large fireplace made of ornamental brick. The walls are covered in beautiful oak wood. The ceiling has its original pressed metal panels. These panels add to the historic feel.
Rooms and Their Uses
The room where ladies used to wait is now an exhibit space. The gentlemen's smoking room is also an exhibit area. The second floor is smaller than the first. It used to hold railroad offices and storage. Now, it has a large meeting room. There are also small restrooms, offices, and storage areas. The top floors of the tower are now used for building equipment.
History of the Union Depot
The Union Depot has a long and interesting history. It was built at a time when train travel was very popular. Many people used trains to get around.
Early Railroads in Muskegon
In 1871, the Michigan Lake Shore Railroad came to Muskegon. This line connected the city to Chicago. Later, it became part of the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad. By the 1880s, two more train lines reached Muskegon. These were the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad and the Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway.
Need for a New Station
By the early 1890s, the old train station was in bad shape. It needed many repairs. In 1893, all three railroad companies agreed. They decided to build a brand new station. This was especially important because more people were traveling to local resorts by train.
Building the New Depot
Architect Sidney J. Osgood first drew plans for the new depot in 1893. Another architect, Amos W. Rush, soon took over the project. Building started in 1894. It was delayed because of a financial crisis called the Panic of 1893. The depot was finished and opened in 1895.
Changes in Ownership and Use
The Pere Marquette Railroad took over the depot in 1899. Even though it was called "Union Depot," not all trains used it. By the 1930s, trains from the Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway used a different station. This railway had joined with the Grand Trunk Western. By 1938, trains from the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad also moved. They had been bought by the Pennsylvania Railroad. These trains also used the same station as the Grand Trunk trains.
The Union Depot was a stop for the Pere Marquette's Night Express from Chicago. Later, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) took over the Pere Marquette Railroad in 1947.
Decline of Passenger Service
Over time, more people started using cars. Train passenger service became less popular. The depot stopped serving passengers in 1971. Freight trains continued to use it for two more years. The building then sat empty from 1978 until the early 1990s.
Restoration and New Purpose
The depot was given to Muskegon County. It was restored in 1994 and 1995. After its restoration, it reopened with a new purpose. It became the Muskegon County Convention & Visitor's Bureau. This means it now helps people plan trips and events in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Union Depot (Muskegon) para niños
