Omaha Union Station

We have tried to express the distinctive character of the railroad: strength, power, masculinity.

— Omaha Union Station Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood[8]

Trackside of Union Station on September 22, 2018

Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood of Los Angeles, the current building features a steel frame structure that is clad with cream-colored glazed terra cotta.[1] Groundbreaking occurred on July 29, 1929, and the building was completed on January 15, 1931. The 124,000-square-foot (11,500 m²) cost $3.5 million to build.[5] Of the building's design, Underwood was said to have remarked, "We have tried to express the distinctive character of the railroad: strength, power, masculinity."[8] At its dedication, Carl R. Gray, president of the Union Pacific, declared the station to be, "Dedicated by the railways of Omaha to serve, comfort and convenience of the people."[5]

The construction of the station was preceded by the construction of the Burlington Train Station one block away. Within ten years that station was served by seven railroads.[9] Upon its completion, the Union Station became renowned for its technological innovations, including electric luggage conveyor belts, escalators and extensive lighting throughout the building. Simultaneously, patrons and critics alike appreciated the traditional and lavish attributes of the building, including massive women's restrooms, beautiful marble columns and flooring throughout, and deep oak woodwork surrounding every window and door in the station.[10] During its first year, 1.5 million passengers passed through.[5]

Omaha Union Station in May 1980

By 1946, 64 steam locomotives were in operation bringing 10,000 passengers daily in and out of the Union Station.[11] However, within a decade everything changed. In 1956 the Chicago and North Western Railroad stopped its line running through Omaha. 1960 saw the exit of Wabash Railroad. In 1965 the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the Chicago Great Western Railway quit running, followed by the Rock Island Railroad in 1969. Passenger service ceased in 1971, and the Union Station was donated to the City of Omaha by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1973.[12]

That year the station quickly became the home of the Durham Museum. The Union Pacific Museum and Archives were also located there. In 1997 the Union Station underwent a renovation that included a 22,000-square-foot (2,000 m²) addition and new climate controls for the museum,[11] and today the building is a contributing property to the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District, bordering the Old Market Historic District and Omaha's Little Italy.