Union Station, Seattle, Washington
historic place
Union Station, a historic place in Seattle's King County, was constructed between 1910 and 1911. It officially opened on May 20, 1911. Originally named the Oregon and Washington Station, it was designed by architect Daniel J. Patterson in the Beaux-Arts style. This grand building served as a key terminal for the Union Pacific Railroad and the Milwaukee Road. Its impressive Grand Hall featured a vaulted ceiling and extensive tiled flooring. Passenger rail service at Union Station began to decline. The Milwaukee Road ended its service in 1961, and the Union Pacific ceased operations here in 1971. The building then sat largely vacant for nearly three decades. A significant renovation was completed around 1999 and 2000, restoring the historic structure. Today, Union Station serves as the headquarters for Sound Transit. This site demonstrates the successful adaptation of a former transportation hub for modern civic use.