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Seattle, Washington / History

Union Station

A monument to early 20th-century civic ambition, this former rail hub blends Beaux-Arts grandeur with modern sustainability, serving as a stunning gateway to downtown Seattle.

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Union Station
seattleunionstation.com, og_image_seattleunionstation.com

What is Union Station known for?

Union Station is a former train station in Seattle designed for grandeur to project civic ambition and announce the city as a rival to New York and Chicago. Its renovation won the 2000 National Historic Preservation Award.

What are the hours for visiting?

The Great Hall is open to the public from 9:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. Additionally, the adjacent Union Station Square is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What is the history of the station?

Constructed between 1910 and 1911 to serve the Union Pacific Railroad and the Milwaukee Road, the station opened on May 20, 1911. Passenger service ended there in 1961 for the Milwaukee Road and in 1971 for the Union Pacific.

What is the building used for now?

Since 1999, the building has served as the headquarters for Sound Transit. Its grand hall is also available to the public as a venue for weddings and other events.

Where is it located?

Union Station is located at 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104, positioned at the center of the city's transportation hub as a gateway to downtown Seattle.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Constructed between 1910 and 1911, Union Station was built to serve the Milwaukee Road and the Union Pacific Railroad. The architecture was specifically designed to project grandeur, signaling to the world that Seattle was a legitimate rival to major metropolitan hubs like New York and Chicago. It opened its doors on May 20, 1911, situated east of King Street Station on the opposite side of the tracks. In its prime, the station functioned as a comprehensive community hub. It once housed a small hospital, a dedicated ladies' waiting room, a barber shop, and various restaurants. However, the era of passenger rail eventually waned; the Milwaukee Road ended its passenger service here on May 22, 1961, and the Union Pacific followed on April 30, 1971. Following a meticulous restoration that won the 2000 National Historic Preservation Award, the building found new life. Since 1999, it has served as the headquarters for Sound Transit. The renovation preserved the magnificent grand hall, which is now available to the public for events such as weddings. The site has since expanded into a modern complex. The adjacent office buildings, developed in 2000, are LEED Platinum and Energy Star certified, ensuring the historic site integrates with contemporary environmental standards while respecting the neighborhood's heritage.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Great Hall on weekdays between 9:00 and 5:00 for public access.
  • Explore Union Station Square, open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., to see the railroad-inspired artwork.
  • Check for scheduled events or weddings, as the grand hall is a popular private venue.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the surrounding transportation hub and nearby King Street Station.

Nearby context

Union Station sits at the heart of Seattle's transportation hub, serving as a gateway to downtown. It is located at the intersection of Jackson Street, 3rd Ave S, and 2nd Ave, immediately adjacent to the 1,600-square-foot triangular Union Station Square.

Sources

Evidence and links