ST. PAUL, MN—Jones Lang LaSalle is moving forward on managing and leasing the historic Union Station here, as the $243 million restoration project was recently deemed complete.
The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority recently announced the finish of the project at the 90-year-old building. The last train left the station more than 40 years ago. The station this year will serve as a Metro Transit bus station, with Amtrak trains beginning to use the station next year. In 2014, Central Corridor Light Rail—the Green Line—will serve the station, which is located on 33 acres on Fourth Street, along the Mississippi River.
"Today we celebrate an important milestone for Union Depot," said County Commissioner Jim McDonough, chair of the RCRRA. "Construction is completed, the public again has access to this grand neoclassical structure, and Union Depot will return to its original purpose of being a regional destination and transportation hub."
The authority this past summer contracted with Chicago-based JLL, which also operates historic train stations in Chicago, New York and Washington, D. C., and is in the midst of planning for Union Depot's future.
"This site, in the heart of the lively artist and entertainment district of Lowertown, offers businesses an opportunity to interact with thousands of residents, employees and visitors, as well as passengers arriving daily on mass transit," said Rick Balow, JLL manager at the depot.