![]() The roof itself was totally replaced – with each new tile weighing 200 pounds (half the weight of the original tiles.) The three chandeliers in the Grand Hall – each 12 feet in diameter – required more than a half mile of wiring. More than half of the once-ornate ceiling with its plaster frescoes had to be removed, thanks to water damage over the years. It was quite a job: first came the cleanup and the removal of 10 million pounds of debris. The renovation began in 1997 and was completed about two years later. The one-time tax raised $118 million the remainder of the $250 million project was funded by private contributions. It sat vacant and decaying, until voters in Jackson, Johnson, Clay and Platte Counties approved a historic bi-state tax to help renovate the Station in 1996. Though placed on the National Historic Register in 1972, by 1985, Amtrak had moved out of Union Station, and the Station’s decline accelerated. Passenger rail traffic peaked during World War II, when an estimated one million travelers a year passed through the Station.Īs travelers turned to other modes of transportation, train stations across the country – including Union Station – began to decline. The “Union Station Massacre” captured the attention of the nation, and resulted in the arming of FBI agents. Four FBI agents were gunned down Nash was killed. In June 1933, Union Station was struck by violence, as Pretty Boy Floyd and a few of his cohorts tried unsuccessfully to free their friend Frank Nash, a federal prisoner on his way to Leavenworth Penitentiary. When you walk into the Station’s Grand Hall, you may not realize that there are three sub-levels beneath you. When it opened, Union Station had 900 rooms, including restaurants, barbershops, its own jail, and offices for the different railroads. Designed by architect Jarvis Hunt, it featured open space and ornate decoration, including three 3,500 pound chandeliers in the Grand Hall, marble, terra cotta, and a magnificent clock that soon became Kansas City’s meeting place. The “City Beautiful Movement” had already captured the community’s attention, and Union Station was the culmination. The original West Bottoms site was prone to flooding, so the new terminal would be on higher ground.Ĭonstruction of the massive building took eight years, with Union Station opening for business in October, 1914. The 1894 Café features quick bites for the guest on the go and finally, The Fudgery provides world-class fudge and a show daily.Construction of a new rail station began as early as 1901 – when the 12 railroads that served the community decided a larger station was needed. The Train Shed features rotating taps, entrees and appetizers perfect for before, during or after a sporting event. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain is a 1950’s style diner featuring ice cream, candy, burgers and booze. Louis Union Station to get a bite to eat, either. Also located inside of the Aquarium, take your day to new heights on the 3-story Ropes course or head into the Mirror Maze for a maze of a good time. The 120,000-square-foot attraction features one-of-a-kind exhibits and tanks with 1.3 million gallons of water housing thousands of aquatic species from the rivers and oceans of the world. ![]() Louis Aquarium, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Anchoring the Union Station entertainment complex is the stunning St. If you’re wanting to stay a little closer to the ground, check out the 18-hole miniature golf course or carousel. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Fire and Light Show on the Lake set to themed music. Louis skyline in the comfort of climate-controlled gondolas. Louis Wheel where guests enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the historic train shed – once the busiest train station in the world - and the iconic St. Louis offers, with the added bonus of being able to stay in the hotel right on site! Ascend 200’ in the St. Louis Union Station captures the essence of history, fun and entertainment that St. Convention Services Convention Services.The Dome at America’s Center The Dome at America’s Center.Why Your Attendees Will Thank You for Booking St.Meetings & Conventions Meetings & Conventions.
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