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Here's what Union Station in DC could look like in the future

June 18, 2022
3 min read
Here's what Union Station in DC could look like in the future
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One of the nation’s busiest and most iconic railroad stations is poised for a major overhaul. New design renderings shared publicly this week reveal the proposed plans for Union Station. Changes would not alter the 114-year-old station’s iconic, domed hall, but would significantly upgrade its aging concourses and railroad facilities.

The design renderings became public this week through a presentation to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which is involved in the design approval process because of the historic nature of the D.C. rail station.

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(Rendering courtesy of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts)

As you can see in this aerial view of the proposed changes, the front of the station looks pretty much the same, with the iconic entrance intact on the historic building. Beyond that, things start to look really different.

The proposed design includes a spacious train hall flooded with natural light and arches, mezzanines and seriously upgraded passenger access to Amtrak trains, commuter rails and Washington Metro trains.

(Rendering courtesy of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts)

Here’s a view from atop one of the proposed train hall’s mezzanines.

(Rendering courtesy of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts)

The design calls for underground parking and improved bus facilities and concourses.

(Rendering courtesy of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts)
(Rendering courtesy of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts)

Since the federal government owns Union Station, the Federal Railroad Administration is leading the project. The multibillion-dollar improvement plan could certainly be a major candidate for a piece of the tens of billions in funding allocated for railroad improvements in last year’s bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Related: Amtrak wants to seize control of DC's Union Station

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Union Station (Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin)/Getty Images)

Considering Union Station is Amtrak’s second busiest in the country, perhaps the most critical part of these improvement plans is that it would boost railroad track capacity. In fact, the project could go as far as to double train capacity when factoring in Amtrak and commuter rail capacity expansion, according to Federal City Council, a D.C.-based non-profit advocating for Union Station improvements.

The project would likely be completed in phases if approved, and once work begins it is expected to take well over a decade.

Still, as train travel rebounds from the pandemic and enters an exciting new chapter, this could be a major boost at one of the most well-known stations in the country.

Featured image by spencerpa440/Twenty20
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
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Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
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Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

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  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
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  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
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  • Terms apply.