Union Station Worcester Massachusetts

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Built in 1911 of white glazed terracotta, Union Station is a powerful symbol of Worcester at the height of its industrial prosperity. This Beaux Arts Classical style building is modeled after the ancient Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, but with the addition of two ornate baroque-style towers that break the skyline as they rise high above the main facade. Inside, the station's grand hall is one of the city's most dramatic interior spaces - with a soaring vaulted ceiling, stained glass skylights, ornate plasterwork, and marble trim.
Today’s station replaced a very handsome Victorian Gothic style Union Station, opened in 1875, which stood nearby on Washington Square. With ground-level tracks, that station became obsolete in the early 20th century when it became necessary to elevate the tracks to avoid traffic problems. Special engineering was required to construct the foundation for the new building because underneath it ran the Blackstone Canal. The old station was demolished, but its tall stone tower was left standing until it was removed in the late 1950s for the construction of Interstate 290.
After World War II, with the increasing use of the automobile, fewer and fewer people relied on train travel. Gradually, the station fell into disuse and was closed in 1972. By the 1990s, Union Station was an abandoned ruin - its roof open to the rain. The stained glass ceiling fell in and seedling trees grew up through cracks in the masonry. But, public sentiment called for its preservation. Under the auspices of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, the station interior was completely rebuilt. The glazed terracotta exterior was cleaned and repaired. New towers were built to reproduce the originals. Now of fiberglass, they are strong and light enough to withstand the vibrations caused by passing trains. In July of 2000, after a $32 million restoration, the station reclaimed its role as the city's key transportation hub - and one of Worcester's grandest buildings.
Thanks to Susan Ceccacci of Preservation Worcester for this content.
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[@englundus]

I grew up in Worcester when Union Station was abandoned, and I'm sure there were squatters in there.... The restoration of Union Station was LONG overdue, but I am glad they restored it! It was such an eyesore, and I thought it had so much potential! Kudos to those who restored it!

[@theamazingparkerC]

The new station is beautiful! was such an amazing sight

[@chickenflavor9880]

I had no idea it used to look like that until today.

[@rhythmsoftherailroad6484]

Very glad it was restored to its former grandeur. I look forward to the continued and expanded use for that station in the future. Let's keep the Rhythms of the Railroad echoing through Union Station for many more generations to appreciate & utilize. 7 years after this clip: the platforms are nearing completion, only a few more years to go....

[@FluxFreeman]

Cool

[@christianfreedom-seeker934]

When did Worchester finally tear down that old station and what replaced it? I remember looking at the ruins of it when I was a teenager!

[@Tusvideosfavoritos]

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[@pokethekitty4200]

You think there will be a pro team in Worcester ?

[@MrScrappydue]

Why can’t we have Old Glory 🇺🇸 flying in federal housing? Why do we leave it up to people like Robert Ortiz to decide wether old glory flies or she don’t? It’s sad the way Americans are treated in public housing. Three times we had sizer lifts 30ft from the tree in question and even McGovern was up here back around 2012 maybe and he took the easy way out by getting us flag knowing it wouldn’t stay up but for a month. I have to assume he’s a democrat. They listen to you then they take the easiest part of what you said and do it as long as it’s only $20bucks. The worst part is Worcester can’t do any better then him. That’s why we keep voting for him. Way to go McGovern, way to go. Keep up those ear plugs. I’m sorry. When ever I see the American flag I get jealous because we had one for years and new owners took over and the flag came down. So it’s never gonna go up again.

[@Tusvideosfavoritos]

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