Grand Junction’s Historic Train Depot Is Getting New Life

As Grand Junction celebrated Union Depot’s 120^th birthday earlier this year, there was lots of talk about the landmark’s future. The depot opened in 1906 to travelers fleeing the San Francisco earthquake, and soon became a popular stop for American Presidents touring the West.

This same building will soon open a new chapter as preservation and restoration work moves forward, with plans calling for a return of Amtrak service, a restaurant, local retail, live music, community classes, and a public gathering space.

Get our free mobile app

The Roof Restoration Is One of the Most Important Pieces of the Revival

.Read More: Why 120 Years At Grand Junction’s Depot Is a Big Deal

We’re raising the roof in celebration, as work on the actual roof at Union Depot moves forward. This work would not be possible without a grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund. This has allowed restoration crews to work with Ludwici, the company tied to the depot’s original 1906 roof tiles. Replacement tiles dating back to the original era have been made available for the project, while other historic materials inside the building are also being preserved.

The Depot Has Been Waiting for Its Second Act for More Than a Decade

While the restoration effort at the depot may seem like a sudden renovation, this project has been near and dear to so many in Grand Junction for years. Veronica Sanchez and her husband, Dustin Anzures, purchased the depot in 2016 and have pursued an adaptive-reuse project. The building deteriorated over the years after Amtrak's move next door in 1991. Now, preservation groups who have worked long and hard to save the depot have seen their project gain momentum.

What Will the Grand Junction Union Depot Become?

New Mural at Union Depot in Grand Junction

Read More: 4 Magical Christmas Train Rides to Take in Colorado

There’s a lot more going on here than simply preserving an old train station, and it’s nice to see one of the structures that made this town what it is today being refitted. Coming soon to the depot will be an Amtrak ticketing and waiting area, restaurant, locally focused retail marketplace, and space for live music, classes, and community events. About half of the main hall is expected to remain open to the public at no cost, with dedicated space available to nonprofit organizations.