Skip to content

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

June 18, 2022
3 min read
DC Union Station_spencerpa440
Here's what Union Station in DC could look like in the future
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

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.

(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

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.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

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.