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Joliet Union Station: Hosting Trains Since 1912

Published: February 5, 2025

By: Adam Burns

In the annals of American railway history, the Joliet Union Station stands as a symbol of the transformative power of rail in shaping cities and connecting vast stretches of the nation.

Situated in the heart of Joliet, Illinois, this once-bustling transportation hub not only exemplifies classic architectural designs of its era but also offers rich insights into the evolution of transportation in the United States.

Built in the Beaux-Arts-style, the 1912 facility is now inactive. During its peak years the station served six railroads and the city was a crucial nexus just outside the metropolitan expanse of Chicago. During its zenith, Union Station accommodated over 100 intercity trains daily, alongside various commuter and interurban services.

In 1978, Union Station was incorporated into the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging both its architectural significance and its integral role in the railroad history of the city.

Until 2014, it was utilized by Amtrak and Metra trains, before its operations were fully transferred to the Joliet Transportation Center in 2018. Currently, the station is under the ownership of the city of Joliet and functions as a banquet facility.

The Beginnings: A Testament to Rail's Ascendancy

The current Joliet Union Station was built to accommodate and consolidate the burgeoning rail traffic through Joliet, a pivotal crossroad connecting various parts of Illinois and beyond.

Construction of the original Joliet Station commenced in 1910, orchestrated by the Chicago and Alton Railroad amid rapid urbanization and increased demand for efficient public transit.

The station was designed in the Beaux-Arts style by Jarvis Hunt, a renowned architect from Chicago who also contributed to the design of Kansas City Union Station around the same time. Constructed by the Adam Groth Company from Joliet, the station boasted a steel framework and a facade of Bedford limestone, complemented by bronze fixtures and interiors adorned with Tennessee marble.

The architectural plan comprised an entry through a street-level ticket lobby, leading to a grand waiting room on the second floor, designed to serve passengers before their train embarkation. The station's construction incurred a cost of $250,000, which, as adjusted for inflation, equates to approximately $5.7 million in 2023.

The grand opening of Joliet Union Station took place on October 14, 1912, marking a significant event in Joliet as it commenced operations for all four major trunkline railroads in the area.

The inauguration was celebrated with a banquet for 450 attendees and an audience of 1,500 people, which received accolades from the Joliet Evening Herald.

The newspaper commented on the "excellent yet dry and smokeless banquet," extending the same compliment to the speeches delivered at the event, albeit with the caveat of them also being "smokeless but not dry."

Joliet Union Station quickly became an icon of progress, standing regally with its limestone façades and imposing columns.

At its operational zenith, the station catered to over 100 trains daily, utilizing eight tracks—four directed north-south for the AT&SF and Alton, and another four east-west for the Rock Island line.

Passengers accessed the platforms via tunnels underneath the tracks, serving both directions. The station not only supported passenger transit but also facilitated U.S.

Mail services and express parcel handling for the associated railroads, with each maintaining distinct freight and service infrastructures elsewhere in Joliet. An interlocking tower, constructed around 1913, coordinated the complex train movements through this crucial junction.

Architectural Marvel: Beaux-Arts Elegance

The station’s construction was completed at a cost of $250,000, a substantial investment in its time. Visitors were welcomed by an impressive interior featuring a spacious waiting room, adorned with high ceilings and ornate decorations. The use of durable materials such as steel and limestone ensured longevity, while its spacious concourse was designed to handle large crowds efficiently, reflecting the grandeur of Beaux-Arts architecture.

The aesthetic elegance of the Joliet Union Station extends beyond mere functionality; it symbolizes the cultural and economic optimism of early 20th-century America. From its elaborately adorned facades to the intricate craftsmanship within, the station reflects an era when public buildings were designed to inspire and elevate the human spirit.

Historical Importance

Joliet Union Station was strategically placed to serve as a nexus for multiple rail lines, offering connections to major cities such as Chicago and St. Louis. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad; the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway; and the Michigan Central Railroad all passed through the station, testament to its pivotal role in regional transportation.

For much of the 20th century, the station saw thousands of passengers daily, making it a vibrant hub of activity. It was integral not only to passenger transportation but also to freight, serving as a critical juncture for the transportation of goods across the Midwest.

Rock Island E8A E8 #655 leads the eastbound "Peoria Rocket" across the Santa Fe diamonds in front of the Joliet Union Station on April 2, 1977. Doug Kroll photo.

Decline and Preservation: A Reawakening of Historic Value

The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a decline in rail travel as automobiles and airplanes became the preferred modes of transportation. Joliet Union Station, once commanding bustling crowds, faced dwindling numbers of passengers, leading to a state of neglect and deferred maintenance.

In 1925, the Michigan Central ceased its passenger services to Joliet, though other railroads continued their operations, resulting in significant alterations to the station over the subsequent decades. Maintenance responsibilities were shared among the three railroads that owned the station, leading to its gradual deterioration. In the late 1940s, the ticket lobby on the ground floor was closed and sealed off. In 1960, a dropped ceiling was added to the grand waiting room on the second floor, creating a space that quickly became inhabited by pigeons. Additionally, the tunnels leading to the platforms were filled in, necessitating some passengers to cross the tracks to board their trains.

With the establishment of Amtrak in 1971, the majority of passenger services at the station came under its management. However, Amtrak did not take over the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific operations, which continued to run commuter trains between Joliet and Chicago until the early 1980s, when Metra took over the operations and track ownership.

Despite its declining usage, the historical and architectural significance of Joliet Union Station was recognized. In 1978, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a crucial step toward preserving its legacy. The station became the focus of multiple restoration efforts aimed at reviving its historical charm while adapting it for contemporary use.

Modern Adaptations and Future Prospects

In recent years, the station has undergone revitalization initiatives to restore its historic grandeur and adapt it for modern purposes. A restoration project undertaken in the early 21st century aimed to highlight the station's architectural beauty while incorporating necessary updates to serve the contemporary transit needs.

In its refurbishment, the station was modified to accommodate a shift in transportation patterns. It now serves both commuter and freight trains, including those operated by Metra and Amtrak. The rehabilitation not only preserved the building’s historic façade but also implemented modern amenities required for current commuter standards.

A contemporary addition to the site is the Joliet Gateway Center, which integrates the historic station with new transportation facilities to enhance commuter experience. These developments underscore the ongoing commitment to making Joliet Union Station a cornerstone of regional transit, while respecting its historical significance.

Symbol of Heritage

Today, Joliet Union Station stands as a venerable monument, emblematic of early 20th-century American endeavors to forge connections across vast landscapes through rail. Its significance transcends its utilitarian beginnings, embodying the collective memory of a time when rail travel was pivotal to economic and social dynamism.

For the community of Joliet and its surroundings, the station is more than a transit point—it's a symbol of architectural resilience and a living chronicle of the city’s history. It is a reminder of the transformative eras in transportation and serves as a bridge between the past and the future, evoking nostalgia while continuing to operate as a modern transit hub.

In 2010, the Illinois state government announced a $42 million comprehensive plan to replace Joliet Union Station and partially reconstruct the tracks. The project received $32 million from the "Illinois Jobs Now!" program, a six-year, $31 billion statewide capital initiative funded by 20-year state bonds and matching federal and local contributions. Additionally, the BNSF Railway committed $2.2 million, and the city added $7.5 million to the funding.

The project involved constructing new tunnels to serve the platforms for the Heritage Corridor and Amtrak trains, as well as building a new platform for the Rock Island District trains to the east of Union Station. Joliet Union Station ceased passenger operations in 2014, with passengers using temporary facilities until the completion of the new station. The Joliet Transportation Center subsequently opened on April 11, 2018.

Santa Fe F3A #16C is stopped at Joliet Union Station with Train #15, the "Texas Chief"in April 1964. Roger Puta photo.

Preserving Stories Through Stone

The continued preservation and use of Joliet Union Station bear witness to the broader narrative of America's rail history. It stands as a testimonial to the enduring allure and historical importance of rail travel. While the nature of transportation may continue to evolve, landmarks like Joliet Union Station remind us of the enduring architectural beauty and the stories etched into the stones of our public structures.

As urban landscapes adapt to modern demands, such historic landmarks will continue to play crucial roles in anchoring communities, offering a confluence of heritage and progress. Through preservation initiatives, Joliet Union Station remains a vital element of Illinois' cultural fabric, inviting both travelers and history enthusiasts on a journey through time.