Saint Paul, MN took a major step “back to the future” Jan. 18 as demolition activities began that would lead to the restoration of the city’s venerable 1920s Union Depot train station. The project seeks to return the once-prominent facility to its original purpose as the region’s transportation hub—as well as a new destination for retail, art, music, food and drink—and brings the even greater promise of welcomed economic stimulus to the region by creating 3,000 jobs for all companies involved in the project.

“The people of Saint Paul, the State of Minnesota, and the entire Midwest are the beneficiaries of this strategic partnership of federal, state and county governments that will create new jobs for our community and build the foundation for future prosperity and growth of the region,” said Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Chair Jim McDonough.

Under the direction of the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority, the 33-acre Depot site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art multi-modal Midwest regional transit hub, bringing together rail, bus, motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. In addition, the destination will become a magnet for shopping and entertainment. “The Union Depot is a major investment and a long-term commitment,” said Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), “but in today’s economy, an investment of this scale is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

Over the two-year construction, on-site trades jobs are estimated to be 1,200, totaling 750,000 work hours. Peak on-site workforce will be 300, and more than 95 percent of the on-site jobs are expected to be local tradespeople. The project is being led by Minnesota-based Mortenson Construction—a national leader in the advancement of sustainable design and construction, having built more than 120 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified or green projects nationwide.

When completed in 2012, the Union Depot will become the new home of Amtrak’s Empire Builder service, as well as the terminus/transfer point for Central Corridor light rail and Metro Transit. It will also serve Jefferson Lines, Greyhound intercity and regional bus lines, bicyclists, and pedestrians.   

In addition, the Union Depot is set to be the hub for future regional transitways, including the corridors of Rush Line, Red Rock, Gateway, Robert Street, and Riverview. Plans also include serving future high-speed rail from Chicago.

“Today we are celebrating a transformation for Lowertown, the city of Saint Paul and the entire metropolitan area,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “From electric vehicles to high-speed rail, the Union Depot will be at the center of how we get to where we need to go. The combination of historic preservation and future multi-modal transportation will make the Union Depot a model for the rest of the country.”

The $243 million Union Depot project includes $35 million in funding from the federal Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery grant.  It has also been identified as being of national and regional significance in the federal transportation bill and has been awarded $50 million over the next five years.  Other funding will be provided by federal, state, and county sources.

FTA Deputy Administrator Therese W. McMillan attended the groudnbreaking cremony. Photo: Sarah Penman	Demolition of the former United States Postal Service K dock marks the official beginning of the Union Depot's renovation. Photo: Sarah Penman