Union Station’s $35 million makeover

The Washington transportation hub is undergoing a renovation that would upgrade nearly every part of the station and maximize the building’s historic bones.

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Union Station is in the midst of a $35 million renovation.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

Amtrak has already installed 60 electronic signs showing train arrival and departure information and, in partnership with Union Station Redevelopment, plans a new $1.4 million public address system, a new $400,000 ticket counter and a new $120,000 customer service office.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

The new wave of renovations would upgrade nearly every part of station and maximize the building’s historic bones for both commuters and out-of-towners.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

Columbus Circle, the traffic plaza outside the station’s front door that is being rebuilt to improve security, better serve car traffic and improve accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

A broken cornice at the station's Main Hall.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

Travelers make their way through Union Station as upgrades take place.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

About 32 million people visit Union Station each year — 15.5 million local residents, 8 million tourists, 5 million commuters and 3.5 million office workers.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

The station is home to some 140 shops and restaurants.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

Quick-serve eateries Yo! Sushi and Roti are slated to open by the summer, rounding out the list of seven fast-casual restaurants to set up shop in the past 24 months. Here, Center Cafe, one of the finer restaurants at the station.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

Traffic at the station is booming. Amtrak reported 4.9 million boardings there in its 2011 fiscal year, up 6.1 percent from the previous year. Here, the 9:00 a.m. arrival of an Amtrak Acela trains.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

The reflection of Union Station on a neighboring building in Northeast Washington.

Jeffrey MacMillan / Capital Business

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