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--photo: Carol M. Highsmith-
Union Station in Washington is one of architect Daniel Burnham’s largest and most aesthetically successful buildings. The new station was part of a reconsideration of the city’s plan in light of the City Beautiful movement, and the placement of the building was instrumental in the removal of rail lines from the Mall. Union Station is a remnant of the Beaux-Arts classicism that was most famously popularized during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on February 5, 2007 8:06 PM.
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Comments (4)
This magnificent building was almost razed in the 1980's. It is so long that the Washington Monument could be laid on its side inside the building.
Whenever I have visitors come to Washington, I take them to Union Station. The lobby always is a delight to visitors.
Posted by Bruce Boyd | February 8, 2007 4:57 PM
Posted on February 8, 2007 16:57
Union Station should be ranked much higher. Maybe my favorite building architecture in Washington, D.C.
Posted by R. Joseph Trammell, AIA | February 8, 2007 8:54 PM
Posted on February 8, 2007 20:54
I strongly agree with Trammel but mention and great credit shold go to the magnificent restoration and rehabilitation of this wonderful space in the 1990's
Posted by Ronald G. Havelock | February 13, 2007 4:48 PM
Posted on February 13, 2007 16:48
I first saw the station as a kid, when "the pit" was in the main floor, for the Bicentennial... ugh! Today it is a wonderul, airy, bright, grand space, fascinating for people-watching, and pondering that immense coffered ceiling. And while I never saw the original Penn Station in NY (only photos) this station always seems to hint at what NY lost, in the demolition of that impressive station; I can't imagine what would have replaced this, in DC, had the plan to demolish it been successful.
Posted by Chris | March 15, 2007 5:15 PM
Posted on March 15, 2007 17:15