As nice of a waiting room as this is, the beauty of a good train system is that you aren't forced to spend hours before every trip in the station like you are with air travel. You don't need to arrive at least 90 minutes before the train leaves so you can make it through the security kabuki.
Whoa, I was just there four months ago and it seemed to be in even worse shape the the drop-ceiling nightmare it was 15 years before that. So, well done! Or, finally! Or nice job or it's about time or something... either way. Cool train station. Wedding Cake never tasted so... accessible.
@4 is that a thing? Last time I was there I walked into the station, got into the line to check in, then hopped right on the train from there.
As the old drop-ceiling crumbled, you could get little glimpses of the un-restored original ceiling through the holes. I always wondered what it would look like restored. Why anyone thought it was a good idea to hide it with acoustical tile in the first place remains a mystery.
@4: That's the beauty of a *good* train system. In the existing train system, it's often impossible for trains to arrive and leave on time, due to landslides, car accidents, and the priority of freight trains.
@4-5, agree with both and also hope there is a plan to activate the space with some kind of art and cultural programming so people can enjoy the building whether they are catching a train or not.
Beautiful picture, though I still spot those uncomfortable benches. I rode the train many, many times as a college student and for a few years afterward. That's a huge improvement. (Does the train itself still smell vaguely of urine?)
I'm glad it's complete, whatever it looks like. I was waiting in line for a train to Portland in December (in the temp area). some woman from out of town was waiting with her son and complained non-stop about what the train station looked like (you know, the temp walls made out of plywood?) and comparing it to other train stations in the country. despite me explaining to her that the station was under renovation, she complained for another 25 minutes. I wish I'd had some earplugs.
Awesome. I take the train back and forth from Seattle to Portland not infrequently, and our station- per-renovation and mid-renovation- always seemed so depressing by comparison to PDX's Union Station.
It is, by the way, a really pleasant and relaxing way to go to Portland.
Nice. I too remember what it looked like with the falling stained/dusty/probably moldy tile ceiling. I'm sure when that was done 40 or 50 years ago it might have looked decent but after several years of no cleaning it was horrible and depressing.
It looks beautiful! I, too, used to stare up between the missing acoustical panels in the drop ceiling and wonder what the hell the previous renovators were thinking when they made those hideous renovations in the 50s and 60s.
@4 is that a thing? Last time I was there I walked into the station, got into the line to check in, then hopped right on the train from there.
@4: That's the beauty of a *good* train system. In the existing train system, it's often impossible for trains to arrive and leave on time, due to landslides, car accidents, and the priority of freight trains.
Waterfront station, Vancouver, BC:
http://subwaynut.com/canada/vancouver/wa…
It could use some contrasty highlights though.
It is, by the way, a really pleasant and relaxing way to go to Portland.
I'll wait, I'll wait, I'll wait, I'll wait
My time, like water down the drain