Palo Alto Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
historic place
The Palo Alto Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, a historic place in Santa Clara County, opened on January 25, 1941. This building replaced earlier depots from 1890 and 1896, serving the growing community and Stanford University. The current depot was designed by architect John H. Christie in the Streamline Moderne style. This architectural choice was notable for Palo Alto, where Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles were more common at the time. Its design reflected the streamlined passenger trains of the era. The depot was part of a larger grade separation project that began in 1939, involving the relocation of tracks and the lowering of University Avenue. Inside, a mural by John McQuarrie depicts the history of transportation in California. The Palo Alto Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. While intercity service ended in 1971, the depot continues its role as a Caltrain station, connecting the community through its distinctive architecture and ongoing function.