Reusing Railroad Stations. A Report.

Railroad stations are a unique American resource that should continue to serve public and private interests even though their original purpose may have passed. Large stations should be considered as prominent civic structures whose redevelopment could offer significant opportunities to influence the future character, economy, and operation of urban centers. This report tells the story of rehabilitating sturdy, often handsome structures, ideally combining in one building several uses including public transit as a component of multiple use. Ten examples of the successful reuse of stations have been selected, representing different sized stations, uses, and ways in which reuse has been accomplished. Despite these and other encouraging examples of reuse, many architecturally resplendent stations remain in jeopardy. Five examples are given of endangered stations sited on highly valuable urban land. An analysis of the economic routes open to those interested in acquiring and reusing railroad stations points out the limited money available and the necessity of the private sector joining with government if the larger stations are to be saved. (Photographs may reproduce poorly.) (Author/MLF)