Built by the Kansas City Terminal Railway and Opened to the public on October 30 1914, Kansas City Union Station was the 3rd largest station in the country at that time. Encompassing 850,000 square feet and originally featuring 900 rooms this station reflected the city’s status as a major Midwestern metropolis. The North Waiting Hall seen here has a capacity of 10,000 people and a 65-foot tall ceiling. The grand Beaux-Arts style station like others in the country saw declining passengers and use as the love affair with the automobile increased. The station closed in the 1985 and came close to seeing the wrecking ball, but thanks to the passage of a bi-state initiate in 1996 along with federal grants, a sales tax increase and private foundations the station was saved. In 1999 renovations were completed and the station once again saw life in Kansas City as it opened back to the public in November of that year.
