Union Station

Big Union Station Metrorail improvements planned

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user dracisk 365/365

From a WMATA press release:

Union Station is the busiest station in the Metrorail system with 68,000 passengers entering and exiting daily, including 18,000 passengers transferring between Metrorail and Amtrak, MARC and VRE services.

Metro and DDOT recently completed a Union Station Access and Capacity Improvements Study, which identified improvements that would increase the Metrorail station’s safety, capacity and accessibility, reduce passenger travel time and improve connectivity to other transportation modes. Proposed improvements include:

• Improved evacuation capacity in the event of emergency at Union Station;
• Significant safety improvements on all three levels, in particular the Metrorail platform;
• Significant capacity expansion on all three levels of the north mezzanine, platform and concourse;
• Direct link to new development, streetcar and intercity bus terminal;
• Improved access to commuter rail, Amtrak and retail at Union Station; and
• Annual travel time savings from reduced congestion at the north mezzanine.

The Metro Board Finance and Administration Committee today (April 14) gave preliminary approval to advance these improvements by establishing a reimbursable project for the environmental documentation, preliminary engineering and design; establishing a budget of $2.55 million using District of Columbia’s Federal Transit Administration grants and local matching funds; and amending the FY2011 Reimbursable Projects Budget, increasing it from $6.07 million to $8.62 million; and authorizing the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute the reimbursable agreement with the District of Columbia.

The full Board is expected to vote on the Union Station access and capacity improvements at its April 28 meeting.

68,000 daily passengers. That is wild!

Friday Question of the Day – What Retail is Union Station Missing?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Any tips on what’s going on in the Northeast end of Union Station? Recently all of the car rental agencies moved upstairs, Ben and Jerry’s moved across the station, and the tie store, Lids, and just about everything in that block besides Verizon has disappeared. It seems they are planning on using the Northeast portion for something big, but I have no idea what. Anyone have a clue?

With all of the new restaurants near the metro (Chipotle, Potbelly, and Chopt) and the addition of the NY buses, it’s clear that improvement is afoot at Union Station even before they start construction on Burnham Place. Now if only they can figure out what to do with the old movie theater space and get Bojangles to open up…”

When we discussed the now open Potbelly’s on Monday a reader, Lou, said:

“I saw a presentation done by the Union Station managers a couple of years ago and this was not what was projected. They had ambitions of bringing in Apple, other high-end retail and a high-end restaurant. That’s why they were driving out some of the little independent shops in the basement food court.”

When I spoke to some folks who worked in nearby stores they thought that this space (where the Verizon store is) was simply being cleared to provide more lobby/loading space for Amtrak. But I’m wondering what you guys think – would an Apple or other high-end retail store work in Union Station? Do/Would people go to Union Station for specifically for shopping? I know folks who work nearby go for lunch but would people go specifically for an REI store? The funny thing is – when I was answering my own question in my head, I was thinking a movie theater would be great. I know not everyone liked the old theater because it could get loud but it (the former space in the basement) really does seem like a great space for a theater…

Anyway, for the Friday Question of the Day – What retail do you think is missing from (would be successful at) Union Station? Or should the addition of more restaurants be the way to go?

Potbelly’s Opening in Union Station Tuesday

By Prince Of Petworth

The lunch options at Union Station are going through the roof. In addition to the gigantic food court downstairs – upstairs a Chipotle and Chop’t have recently opened in addition to this Potbelly’s opening Tuesday.

Though, I still love the Greek place downstairs. Of course now they also have a taco bell…

Chop’t and Potbelly’s Coming to Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up. Last exciting Union Station news we heard was that Chipotle had opened up. And of course we’re still waiting on the Bojangles. But we can add two more to the list of ‘coming soon’. Chop’t and a Potbelly’s are both coming to Union Station. You can see a list of all the dining options in Union Station here.

Chipotle News: Open in Union Station, Coming to Mt. Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth

There have been lots of reader reports that the Chipotle has opened up in Union Station. And while it was only scuttlebutt in August, The Mt. Vernon Triangle Fall Newsletter says that “Chipotle will be moving into the The K sales center at CityVista along 5th Street, NW.”

In the same scuttlebutt post I mentioned that Ray’s of Ray’s the Steaks would be coming to City Vista as well. That also turned out to be true so stay tuned for more updates on Ray’s plans for City Vista.

Coming and Going to Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth

I think the Bojangles was mentioned in a Random Reader Rant and/or Revel comment last week but when I did a quick tour I also noticed that a Chipotle was coming to the first floor (not the food court like Bojangles).

In ‘Going’ news I have a question – did Vacaro’s leave or move? When I went to their spot (got to take advantage of canolis when I have the chance) it was closed. Anyone know if that is temporary or have they left Union Station?

And finally do you think anything will ever go into the old movie theater space?

Gang Fight Temporarily Closes Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

WMATA says:

” Union Station Metrorail station was closed for approximately 30 minutes from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. today (June 6 4) while Metro Transit Police investigated a shooting that took place in the station.

Police remain on the scene and continue their investigation.”

And thanks to a reader for sending in the WUSA9 report:

“A Metro spokesman tells 9NEWS NOW a fight broke out at Union Station between about 15 juveniles. During the fight, a handgun was observed. He cannot confirm that any type of shooting took place. DC Police and Metro police are investigating.”

WMATA Update 2:41pm:

“The preliminary investigation indicates that the incident began when a large group of individuals were involved in an altercation on the platform. One minor was injured in the fight. He is believed to be a victim of a robbery. He was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The incident was initially reported to be a shooting, however police do not believe that a shooting took place.

Transit Police continue to investigate the incident.”

Red Bull’s The Art of the Can at Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth

Someone mentioned this exhibit back in a previous comment thread last week. I checked it out last weekend and gotta say – it’s kinda cool. I know it’s basically an advertisement but man these are some creative ads. Anyone else check them out? The exhibit, Red Bull Art of Can, is up at Union Station until Oct. 19th. You can see the full gallery online here. What do you guys think – cool or kitsch?

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