NEW STATION

THE AMTRAK STATION

Discussions about how to relocate the Providence station began in 1953 with a city planning report. At first the New Haven Railroad was agreeable since the Union Station was larger than needed and expensive to maintain but after a few years decided the railroad's finances would not allow for a major project. The Penn Central had no interest and soon was insolvent. Amtrak found the old station in need of major work and began planning for some improvements in the late 1970's. However, the city proposed a major redevelopment which made economic sense. The rear of the station was mainly parking lots and vacant railroad facilities on land which could be used to revitalize the center of Providence, particularly if the railroad bridges and embankments were removed to open the area and join it to downtown. Amtrak realized that a nineteenth century complex built to handle hundreds of trains a day should not be retained for twenty or so trains.

The "Capital Center" project was underway in 1983. The railroad station was relocated largely below grade at the base of the State House as was proposed in 1888. The rivers were again relocated as a central feature of the development and the railroad land used for office buildings, condominiums and a shopping center. The Union Station buildings were preserved and a hotel built where sleeping cars were once left by or for the night trains. Providence was fortunate to have Amtrak provide an impressive station when so many other large cities had large stations replaced by modest, inexpensive structures far from the heart of the city. The new station building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of Washington and constructed by Gilbane Building Co. of Providence. The first train used the new Amtrak station on June 16, 1986.

The new route (right) as seen from Smith Street in September 1984. The roofs of the old station can be seen in the center. Gilbane Building Co. was the general contractor for the station relocation. Photo by Edward J. Ozog

Opening celebration June 19, 1986

The Amtrak station was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of Washington. Photo by Edward J. Ozog

Boston bound train at the east end of the new station June 1986. Photo by Edward J. Ozog

East side of station in June 1986. Photo by Edward J. Ozog

The start of the east end of the new route can be seen under the Smith Street Bridge. December 1988. Photo by Edward J. Ozog

The new Woonasquatucket River bridge in December 1988. The start of the west end of the new route is behind the rear of the train.

Photo by Edward J. Ozog

Westbound train passing under Francis Street in 1986 at the west end of the Amtrak station. The view has been eliminated by the Providence Place shopping center. Photo by Edward J. Ozog

A New York train leaving the west end of the Amtrak station in 1986. Photo by Edward J. Ozog