:Union Station (Burlington, Vermont)

File:Union Station Burlington Vermont central section.jpg

Union Station is located at the west end of Main Street in downtown Burlington near the Lake Champlain waterfront. It is built into a hillside, with two stories aboveground plus a basement level accessed from the west side. It is 5 by 13 bays – approximately {{cvt|55x138|feet}} – oriented north-south, with the bays defined by pilasters. The symmetrical Beaux Arts building is built of buff brick with limestone and granite trim. It has a hip roof with a central flat section; on the Main Street side, a pediment with tops the three central bays. The central bay has ornamental grillwork and a large clock; the flanking bays have carvings of Mercury and the entrance doors.

When the station was originally opened, those doors led directly into the {{cvt|30x75|ft|adj=mid}} main waiting room, which was finished with white oak and Vermont marble. The ticket office was between the doors. The baggage office and women's waiting room were at the north side of the station, with the main baggage room below. At the south end was the station restaurant, with the express office and mail room below. Two island platforms serving four passenger tracks were located on the west side of the station, with freight bypass tracks to their west. An enclosed footbridge ran west from the waiting room, with stairs down to the covered platforms.{{cite book |url=http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3754bm.g089121926 |title=Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont |publisher=Sanborn Map Company |date=April 1926 |page=20}}

The Union Station building is owned by Main Street Landing Company. It has been substantially renovated since its use as a station; the main floors are subdivided for use by tenants including art studios and other businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the Vermont Agency of Transportation.{{cite web |url=https://www.mainstreetlanding.com/retail-and-office-rentals/tenants/union-station/ |title=Union Station: Tenants |publisher=Main Street Landing Company |access-date=July 15, 2022}} The original platforms and footbridge are no longer extant; a semicircular addition is located on the rear of the basement level, with a plaza on its roof. The modern Amtrak platform is a single side platform serving the single track, with the Island Line Trail on the west side of the track. The station is the junction of the New England Central Railroad Burlington Subdivision (Winooski Branch) and the Vermont Railway Northern Subdivision. The dock for the Burlington - Port Kent Ferry is on King Street about {{cvt|600|feet}} southwest of Union Station, while several Green Mountain Transit bus routes stop on nearby streets.{{cite web |url=https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/burlington-vt-btn/ |title=Burlington, VT (BTN) |work=Great American Stations |publisher=Amtrak}}

Four steel statues of winged monkeys sit on the roof of Union Station. Two were originally commissioned in 1976 for a local waterbed store, named "Emerald City" after the capital city of the fictional Land of Oz.{{Cite news |last=Polston |first=Pamela |date=April 20, 2011 |title=Monkey See |url=http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/monkey-see/Content?oid=2143128 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715014451/http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/monkey-see/Content?oid=2143128 |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |newspaper=Seven Days |publisher=Da Capo Publishing, Inc.}} They were purchased by Main Street Landing to add "whimsy and fun" to the building and were installed in June 1997.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105627446/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Winged monkeys fly to Union Station |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=April 19, 1997 |page=17 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105633242/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Monkey Business |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=June 11, 1997 |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}} Two "babies" were added in 2004.

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The Rutland and Burlington Railroad (R&B) opened between Burlington and {{amtk|Bellows Falls}} on December 18, 1849, with regular service beginning December 24.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104081765/the-enterprise-and-vermonter/ |title=Rutland and Burlington Railroad, Through to Bellows Falls |newspaper=The Enterprise and Vermonter |date=January 2, 1850 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite book |title=The Rail Lines of Northern New England |last=Lindsell |first=Robert M. |publisher=Branch Line Press |year=2000 |isbn=0942147065 }}{{rp|41}}{{cite journal |last=Sargent |first=David W. Jr. |year=1942 |title=The Rutland Railroad |journal=The Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Bulletin |issue=58A |pages=73–90 |jstor=43504336}}{{rp|74}} Its Burlington terminal was along the waterfront at the intersection of Water Street (now Battery Street) and South Street (Maple Street).{{cite web |url=https://id.lib.harvard.edu/curiosity/scanned-maps/44-990105732040203941 |title=Map of Burlington, Vermont |year=1853 |publisher=Presdee & Edwards}} The competing Vermont Central Railroad (VC) was completed between Burlington and {{amtk|White River Junction}} on December 25, 1849.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104081758/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Vermont Central Railroad |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=December 28, 1849 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{rp|74}} The first VC station in Burlington, at St. Paul Street and Maple Street, was converted from an unfinished house.

A track continued through downtown from the VC station to reach the waterfront industries and the Lake Champlain ferries. By 1853, a new VC passenger station was located between College Street and Main Street at Water Street (now Winsooki Avenue) – now the site of Fletcher Free Library. The R&B tracks were extended north along the waterfront in 1850 to connect with the VC.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103998453/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Twenty-seven Years on the Docket |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=May 17, 1878 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}} By 1851, connecting railroads allowed Boston and New York City connections from Burlington via both the VC and R&B.{{rp|41, 170}}

The two railroads quickly developed a bitter rivalry. The Vermont and Canada Railroad (V&C) was chartered in 1845 to connect with both railroads in Burlington and continue north to Canada. The VC leased the V&C in 1849; the V&C was terminated (in violation of its charter) at a connection with the VC at {{amtk|Essex Junction}} in 1851. To spite the Rutland, the VC and V&C made connections at Burlington and Essex Junction deliberately poor.{{rp|171}}{{cite book |title=Steelways of New England |year=1946 |first=Alvin Fay |last=Harlow |publisher=Creative Age Press}}{{rp|264}} In May 1861, the VC opened a new route from Winooski to Burlington via the Burlington Tunnel. A temporary depot was placed near College Street on the waterfront, and the old line into Burlington was abandoned.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103880483/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=An Historic House |newspaper=Burlington Free Press |date=August 30, 1895 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103849186/vermont-watchman-and-state-journal/ |title=Through the Tunnel |newspaper=Vermont Watchman and State Journal |date=May 24, 1861 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}

File:Union Depot, Burlington, VT.jpg

Work on a permanent station for the VC, located north of College Street near Lake Street, began in early 1866. The new station was made of brick with a granite foundation. The main structure was {{cvt|204|ft}} long north–south and {{cvt|88|ft}} wide, with an arched train shed covering three tracks. The walls were {{cvt|27|ft}} high, with {{cvt|11|ft|adj=mid}}-square towers for storage and ornamentation at each corner. A {{cvt|102|ft|adj=on}}-long wing on the west side, with a center section {{cvt|40|ft}} high flanked by two {{cvt|64|ft|adj=on}}-high towers, housed the waiting rooms and railroad offices.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103793674/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=The New Vt. and Canada Passenger Depot |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=February 16, 1866 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite book |url=http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3754bm.g089121894 |title=Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont |date=November 1894 |page=Plate 19 |no-pp=yes |publisher=Sanborn Map Company}} The station was completed in late 1866 or early 1867.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103892307/burlington-daily-times/ |title=The Storm |newspaper=Burlington Daily Times |date=December 29, 1866 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103893697/vermont-record/ |title=Franklin County |newspaper=Vermont Record |date=January 5, 1867 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} The cost was estimated at $50,000 ({{Inflation|US-GDP|50,000|1867|r=-4|fmt=eq}}).{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103893295/the-vermont-transcript/ |title=[Untitled] |newspaper=The Vermont Transcript |date=July 27, 1866 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The R&B became the Rutland Railroad in 1867.{{rp|41}} In December 1870, the VC reached an agreement to lease the Rutland.{{rp|76}}{{rp|42}} This took effect on January 8, 1871.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103943910/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=[Untitled] |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 8, 1871 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}} On January 13, the Rutland depot was closed, and all Rutland trains began using the VC station.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103943922/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Notice |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 10, 1871 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}} The acquisition of the Rutland and other properties pushed the VC into bankruptcy in 1873; it emerged as the Central Vermont Railroad (CV).{{rp|173}} By 1875, the former Rutland station was reused as a machine shop.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103944216/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Fire |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=December 17, 1875 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The Burlington and Lamoille Railroad opened between Burlington and Cambridge Junction via Essex Junction on July 2, 1877. Passenger trains used the CV station in Burlington, while the old Rutland station was leased for use as the railroad's offices and maintenance shops.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103998013/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Burlington and Lamoille Railroad |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=June 29, 1877 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103998215/democrat-and-weekly-sentinel/ |title=Burlington, VT |newspaper=Democrat and Weekly Sentinel |date=July 21, 1877 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}} Passenger trains were rerouted over the CV between Burlington and Essex Junction on June 1, 1880; the corresponding section of the Burlington and Lamoille was quickly abandoned.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104327873/rutland-daily-herald/ |title=Burlington and Lamoille Railroad – Important Contract |newspaper=Rutland Daily Herald |date=May 28, 1880 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104327880/the-st-albans-advertiser/ |title=About Home |newspaper=The St. Albans Advertiser |date=May 28, 1880 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104328472/express-and-standard/ |title=Vermont News |newspaper=Express and Standard |date=July 20, 1880 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}} The CV took control of the Burlington and Lamoille in 1889; it continued to use the former Rutland station as maintenance shops for several years.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104328114/rutland-weekly-herald/ |title=Railroad Matters |newspaper=Rutland Weekly Herald |date=April 25, 1889 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{rp|326}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104082634/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=City and Vicinity |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=August 24, 1894 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} The building was demolished in August 1897.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103945531/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=City News |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=August 16, 1897 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In mid-1889, the Burlington Board of Trade began advocating for the construction of a new union depot.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104082771/burlington-clipper/ |title=Wanted – A Union Depot |newspaper=Burlington Clipper |date=July 25, 1889 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} The city council passed a resolution supporting the effort in November 1889.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104082849/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=The Union Depot |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=November 12, 1889 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} In January 1890, the CV presented potential plans to either built a new station or improve the existing one.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104082921/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=The Depot Question |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=January 9, 1890 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} The original twenty-year lease of the Rutland expired in 1890; after initially making an agreement with the Delaware and Hudson Railroad (D&H), the Rutland signed a renewed lease with the CV.{{rp|78}} Not until February 1895 did the CV announce plans for a major renovation of the station, with new waiting rooms on the east side of the station and a covered platform for the east track.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104083045/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=A New Depot |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 12, 1895 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}} The work also included replacement of the original brick arches of the trainshed with modern supports, and construction of a spur track for the Burlington Traction Company that allowed streetcars to load from the south portion of the new platform. Construction began on July 3, 1895; the new waiting rooms opened in December, with the platform canopies completed in early 1896.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104083203/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Home Matters |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=July 11, 1895 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104083214/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Ready for Use |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=December 19, 1895 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104083248/burlington-clipper/ |title=Queen City News |newspaper=Burlington Clipper |date=January 2, 1896 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}

For a second time, leasing the Rutland bankrupted the CV, and it entered receivership on March 20, 1896. The Rutland was separated on May 7 and entered control of the D&H (which owned the majority of its stock), though it continued to use the CV station in Burlington.{{rp|79}} A group including William Kissam Vanderbilt, William Seward Webb, and Rutland president Percival W. Clement purchased control of the Rutland Railroad from the D&H effective October 22, 1898, and the railroad became fully independent.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104144458/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Rutland Road Sold |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=October 17, 1898 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}} The Rutland immediately moved to build the long-planned Rutland–Canadian Railroad (Island Line) between Burlington and Rouses Point, New York, with a branch to Noyan, Quebec.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104144282/montpelier-evening-argus/ |title=New Railroad to Canada |newspaper=Montpelier Evening Argus |date=October 25, 1898 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}} Regular passenger service on the new line began on January 7, 1901.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104144053/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=The Rutland–Canadian |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=January 2, 1901 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} The south portion of the canopy at Burlington station was removed between 1900 and 1906.{{cite book |url=http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3754bm.g089121900 |title=Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont |publisher=Sanborn Map Company |date=January 1900 |page=Plate 19 |no-pp=yes}}{{cite book |url=http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3754bm.g089121906 |title=Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont |publisher=Sanborn Map Company |date=March 1906 |page=Plate 20 |no-pp=yes}}

The 1867-built station, which had been built by the CV primarily for Essex Junction–Burlington shuttle trains, proved inadequate for the increased traffic of the Rutland and its 1901 extension plus the Burlington and Lamoille.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104302586/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Ask Public Service Commission to Act on New Railroad Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=April 20, 1911 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}} Planning for a new union station began in 1909.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104236090/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Union Station Discussed |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=September 4, 1909 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} In February 1911, the state legislature authorized the state public service commission to select a site and order the railroads to build a new union station.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104243462/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=The Special Act Providing for a New Union Station |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=August 16, 1911 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}} Hearings before the commission began in July 1911.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104306152/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Railroad Hearing Adjourns |newspaper=Burlington |date=July 27, 1911 |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com}} The two railroads disagreed about numerous facets of the project; the CV wanted to elevate the tracks to eliminate several grade crossings, which the Rutland opposed.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104307526/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=The Two Railroads Can Easily Get Together |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=August 22, 1911 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}} The commission chairman remarked in August that the results of the proceedings up to that point were "about on par with a man dragging a cat by the tail across a carpet."{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104307369/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Adjourn Hearing to September 6 |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=August 17, 1911 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The CV presented a revised plan for the station and grade crossing eliminations in September 1911.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104320464/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Central Vermont Offers New Plan |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=September 7, 1911 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} The CV estimated the cost at $315,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US-GDP|0.315|1911|r=2}} million in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}})., while the Rutland estimated $250,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US-GDP|0.250|1911|r=1}} million in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}).{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104320538/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Rutland Road's Estimate |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=October 3, 1911 |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}} An alternate CV plan with no grade crossing eliminations was presented that December.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104320590/burlington-daily-news/ |title=The Central's Alternate Plan |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=December 7, 1911 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} In February 1912, local engineer Frank O. Sinclair presented a new proposal, created at the request of a city committee. It called for the station building to be on the west side of the tracks at Main Street – rather than the east side as in the CV plans – and for a road overpass to be built.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104320973/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Two Months' Adjournment |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 14, 1912 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In August 1912, the public service commission chose a newer CV design that had been presented that January. Main Street would be terminated at the station, while College, King, and Maple streets pass under the new elevated tracks.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104326412/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Burlington Wins Fight for New Union Station |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=August 8, 1912 |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}} That December, the commission issued a formal order for the railroads to construct the new union station by December 15, 1913. Total cost was estimated at $385,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US-GDP|0.385|1912|r=2}} million in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}); the city would pay $15,000 ({{Inflation|US-GDP|15,000|1912|r=-4|fmt=eq}}), with the remainder split between the railroads.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103791907/the-boston-globe/ |title=New Station Ordered |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=December 2, 1912 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} Later that month, the Rutland petitioned the Vermont Supreme Court to vacate the commission's order, claiming that the railroad would lose valuable land from the construction of the station and elevated tracks, and that the commission had exceeded its constitutional authority.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104327455/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Rutland Railroad and Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=December 28, 1912 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} A hearing before the court was held in February 1913.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104327562/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Union Station in Supreme Court |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=February 11, 1913 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In April 1913, the two railroads agreed to work with the city to create a plan acceptable to all parties.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103785244/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Railroads Agree on Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=April 16, 1913 |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com}} An agreement for at-grade tracks was reached that July; estimated cost was $165,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US-GDP|0.165|1912|r=2}} million in {{inflation/year|US-GDP}}).{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104477692/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Railway Officials Agree |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=July 30, 1913 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}} The building was designed by New York architect Alfred T. Fellheimer, with Charles Schultz as supervising architect.{{Citation |last1=Cramer |first1=Adele |title=National Register of Historic Places - Nomination Form for the Battery Street Historic District |url=https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/sites/default/files/PZ/Historic/National-Register-PDFs/BatteryStHD.pdf |page=11 |year=1976 |publication-place=Montpelier, Vermont |publisher=United States Department of Interior, National Park Service |last2=Dumville |first2=John P. |last3=Schoettle |first3=B. Clark}} Fellheimer's plans were accepted in February 1914. The location at the foot of Main Street would be kept, with part of Lake Street rerouted to connect with Main Street. The tracks would remain at grade, with the grade crossings not eliminated; a footbridge would provide access from the station building to the platforms.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104478192/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Our Share of Cost Will Be $15,000 |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=February 10, 1914 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} The city board of aldermen approved the plan that March.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103785207/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Union Station and Wharf |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=March 5, 1914 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} In April, the Vermont Supreme Court modified the 1912 public service commission order, allowing the new plan to go forward.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104478611/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Legal Step Taken to Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=April 13, 1914 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}

File:Union Station, Burlington, Vt. - 8.jpg

Bids for station construction were opened in June 1914.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104485935/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Union Station Bids Not Made Public |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=June 13, 1914 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} The city formally discontinued sections of Main Street and Lake Street in July, making way for construction.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104486043/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Track Clear for New Station |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=July 16, 1914 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} After delays during negotiations, some related to rising steel prices due to the outbreak of war in Europe, the contract was awarded to W.S. Swallow & Company in October 1914.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104487666/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Confer Once More on Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=September 12, 1914 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104487732/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Streets Ordered Vacated |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=September 14, 1914 |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104487815/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Contract Awarded for Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=October 24, 1914 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} Construction of the foundation began on November 3, 1914; while initial plans were for work to begin in spring 1915, the earlier start was intended to reduce costs and avoid spring flooding.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104487970/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Biggest Surprise of Year |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=November 3, 1914 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} On February 17, 1915, the state legislature passed a bill allowing {{cvt|16|feet}} of clearance – rather than the standard {{cvt|22|feet}} – on the passenger tracks at the station. This allowed the station footbridge to be level with the station floor, and reduced the number of steps passengers would have to climb from the platforms.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104503849/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=No. 143 |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=April 16, 1915 |page=28 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104503889/burlington-weekly-free-press/ |title=Probe of State Newspapers is Killed by Veto |newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press |date=February 11, 1915 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Work resumed after the winter in late March 1915.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104503960/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Work Resumed Soon on Union Station |newspaper= Burlington Daily News|date=March 20, 1915 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} The new tracks were in place by April 1915, with the basement walls completed in May.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104504019/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=City and Vicinity |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=June 1, 1915 |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104504010/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Fifty Feet of Tower Up |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=April 9, 1915 |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com}} July 1915 saw the second floor laid and the steel framing of the footbridge built; the roof was built in August.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104504050/burlington-daily-news/ |title=New Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=July 15, 1915 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104504062/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Progress of Work on Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=August 3, 1915 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} The platforms were poured in September 1915; the station was half complete by the end of the month.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104566247/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Work on Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=September 15, 1915 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104558364/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Union Station Inspected |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=September 28, 1915 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} October through December 1915 saw work on the stucco and marble interior finishes, completion of plumbing and wiring, and other interior and exterior items.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104618567/burlington-daily-news/ |title=The Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=October 8, 1915 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104618719/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=City and Vicinity |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=November 15, 1915 |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104618731/burlington-daily-news/ |title=New Union Station |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=December 20, 1915 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} Burlington Union Station opened on January 23, 1916.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103785133/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Burlington's New Passenger Station is Ready for Use – Open To-morrow |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=January 22, 1916 |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}} The former station was demolished in January through March 1917; the bricks were reused to build a chocolate factory.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104743988/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Whole Yard to be Changed |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=January 26, 1917 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104744019/burlington-daily-news/ |title=City News |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=February 8, 1917 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104744043/burlington-daily-news/ |title=J.E. Cashman Has Contract for the New Factory |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=March 23, 1917 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104744058/burlington-daily-news/ |title=Chocolate Factory to Open in Fall |newspaper=Burlington Daily News |date=July 12, 1917 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}}

The railroads conducted a major renovation of the station in 1929, focusing on the footbridge and platforms.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105188098/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Railroad Employees Begin Overhauling of Union Station |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=September 7, 1929 |page=14 |via=Newspapers.com}} Burlington's position off the {{amtk|New London}}–Montreal CV mainline – despite several proposals to reroute the mainline through Burlington – meant its CV service was primarily shuttle trains from Essex Junction.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105188333/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Put Burlington on Central Vermont Main Line |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=April 11, 1927 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}} On February 1, 1932, the CV dropped most passenger service between Burlington and Essex Junction. Burlington Rapid Transit ran bus service between Burlington and Essex Junction to meet all trains, while Pullman passengers were provided with limousine service between the homes and Essex Junction. Only two daily round trips continued to operate on the line: a Burlington–Boston through sleeping car on the New Englander, and the Burlington–Cambridge Junction mixed train on the B&L.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105188674/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=C.V. Railway Makes Contract With Burlington Rapid Transit Co. For Busses to Replace Passenger Trains, Burlington to Essex Jct. |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=January 28, 1932 |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105188686/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Central Vermont R.R. and B.R.T. Launch Consolidated Service |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 2, 1932 |page=7 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105231160/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=B. & L. Now Back To Daily Schedule |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=March 20, 1933 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}}

File:Interior, Union Station, Burlington, VT.jpg

The Boston–Burlington sleeper was dropped by 1936.{{cite book |title=Time Tables |title-link=:commons:File:Central Vermont Railway 1936 timetable.pdf |publisher=Central Vermont Railway |date=September 27, 1936 |via=Wikimedia Commons}} The Burlington–Cambridge Junction mixed train was cut on June 17, 1938, ending CV passenger service to Burlington.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105231368/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Twenty Ride on 'Last Train' |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=June 17, 1938 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}} In the 1940s, Green Mountain Power rented a portion of the station as offices.{{cite web |url=https://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/essex-jct-vt-esx/ |title=Essex Junction-Burlington, VT (ESX) |work=Great American Stations |publisher=Amtrak}} Passenger service on the Rutland declined as well. By 1953, only three daily round trips served Burlington: the New York/Boston–Montreal Mount Royal, the New York/Boston–Burlington Green Mountain Flyer (cut back from Montreal in 1951{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105312938/the-barre-daily-times/ |title=Curtailment of R.R. Passenger Service Approved |newspaper=The Barre Daily Times |date=September 19, 1951 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}), and a Rutland–Alburgh local (which also served as the northbound Boston section of the Green Mountain Flyer).{{cite book |title=The Green Mountain Lake Champlain Route |title-link=:commons:File:Rutland Railway 1953 timetable.pdf |date=April 26, 1953 |publisher=Rutland Railway |via=Wikimedia Commons}} A strike on June 26, 1953, ended Rutland Railway passenger service – and passenger service to Burlington.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105235085/rutland-daily-herald/ |title=RR Strike Idles 650, Ties Up All Traffic on Line |newspaper=Rutland Daily Herald |date=June 27, 1953 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In March 1955, Green Mountain Power purchased Union Station.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105373610/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Green Mountain Power Buys Union Station |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=March 14, 1955 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}} The building was substantially renovated; the ceiling of the waiting room was lowered to provide a larger second floor. Part of the platform area was enclosed for use as a garage and storage space.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105385173/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Green Mountain Power Has Open House Today |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=December 13, 1955 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}} The CV and Rutland continued to operate freight service to Burlington. After a second strike in 1961, the Rutland attempted to abandon its entire system. Most of the system, including the Burlington–Rutland mainline, was taken over by the Vermont Railway in early 1964. The railway began operating excursion services out of Burlington soon after taking over the line, and has continued to operate them since under its Green Mountain Railroad subsidiary.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105433896/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Vermont Railway Planning Two Excursion Runs |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=May 5, 1964 |page=3 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105433910/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Vermont Railway Steam Train Excursion |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=June 26, 1965 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}

File:Burlington Union Station platform.jpg

Most of the Island Line was abandoned with end of the Rutland Railway. The Vermont Railway operated a {{cvt|1.8|miles|adj=on}} section in Burlington until 1975.

Beginning in 1971, the portion in Burlington was turned into a rail trail, which eventually became part of the Island Line Trail.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105386092/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Long-Awaited Bicycle Path Reaching Final Destination |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=June 11, 1986 |first=Kathleen H. |last=Cooley |page=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105386096/the-burlington-free-press/ 7B] |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105385988/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=North End Bicycle Path To Get Further Clearing Work Tonight |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=July 27, 1971 |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com}} CV passenger service to Essex Junction station, about {{cvt|5.5|miles}} east, lasted until 1966; Amtrak resumed service there in 1972 with the Montrealer. Union Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as a contributing property to the Battery Street Historic District. The New England Central Railroad took over the CV in 1995; that year, the Montrealer was truncated as the Vermonter.

The Alden Waterfront Company (later renamed Main Street Landing{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105507874/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Comparies |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=April 22, 1991 |page=30 |via=Newspapers.com}}) purchased Union Station in 1985 as part of plans for a large waterfront development.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105508611/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Will Burlington enjoy a depot redux? |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 21, 1997 |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com}} A city bond for the development was rejected by city voters that December.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105508416/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Offices, stores planned for old Union Station |first=Enrique |last=Corredera |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=May 26, 1988 |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com}} Part of the building was converted to serve as a homeless service center; other portions were rented out as studios, political campaign offices, and other uses.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105508430/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Day Center provides of variety services for city's homeless |first=Lisa |last=Scagliotti |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=March 28, 1988 |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1992, Main Street Landing proposed a new version of its waterfront development plans, including renovation of Union Station for use as shops and office space.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105627654/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Owners unveil plans for waterfront property |first=Paul |last=Teetor |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=May 29, 1992 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} A $1.5 million addition on the rear of the station building was constructed in 1997–98; the old footbridge was removed. Located at the basement level with a street-level plaza on its roof, the expansion was intended to serve as a train station for planned commuter rail service.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105632785/the-burlington-free-press/ |first=Sonya |last=Iyengar |title=Developer plans commuter hub |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=November 10, 1997 |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}} From August 16 to October 31, 1999, the Vermont Railway operated the Ethan Allen Connection between Burlington and {{amtk|Rutland}}, where connection could be made to the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105043084/rutland-daily-herald/ |title=Ethan Allen Connection [Advertisement] |newspaper=Rutland Daily Herald |date=September 3, 1999 |page=41 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105043104/rutland-daily-herald/ |title='Connection' Is Nearing End Of Line |newspaper=Rutland Daily Herald |first=Alan J. |last=Keays |date=October 13, 1999 |pages=13, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105043132/rutland-daily-herald/ 15] |via=Newspapers.com}} A new platform behind Union Station was constructed in 2000 for the Champlain Flyer commuter rail service, which began operation between Burlington and Charlotte on December 4, 2000.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105633050/the-burlington-free-press/ |title=Champlain Flyer takes off |first=Matt |last=Sutkoski |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=December 3, 2000 |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105633062/the-burlington-free-press/ 4A] |via=Newspapers.com}} Never successful at attracting riders, the service only ran until February 28, 2003.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105633116/the-burlington-free-press/ |first=Matt |last=Sutkoski |title=Flyer takes last run today |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=February 28, 2003 |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105633127/the-burlington-free-press/ 4A] |via=Newspapers.com}}

File:Burlington Union Amtrak.jpg

Even before the Ethan Allen Express began service to Rutland in 1996, state planners intended to extend the train to Burlington.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104608550/the-post-star/ |title=New train will link local area with NYC |first=Fred |last=Daley |newspaper=The Post-Star |date=April 28, 1996 |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104608587/the-post-star/ 7] |via=Newspapers.com}} Three state applications for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds were unsuccessful, but $19 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery monies awarded in 2013 and 2015 funded the $26 million project.{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105481084/the-burlington-free-press/ |first=Nancy |last=Remsen |title=To Rutland by train: 68 miles and many millions of dollars |date=August 21, 2011 |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105481138/the-burlington-free-press/ 7B]}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/news/USDOT-announces-474-million-in-TIGER-V-grants--37546 |title=USDOT announces $474 million in TIGER V grants |date=September 6, 2013 |website=Progressive Railroading |access-date=July 12, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/TIGER%202015%20Project%20Fact%20Sheets_0.pdf |title=TIGER 2015 Awards |publisher=United States Department of Transportation |page=40}} In June 2019, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission recommended Union Station as the location where Amtrak trains would lay over and be serviced overnight. A siding track and three-phase power connection were to be constructed at the station.{{cite web |url=https://www.ccrpcvt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Burlington-Amtrak-Servicing-and-Storage-Facility-Assessment-FINAL-20190624.pdf |title=Burlington Amtrak Train Servicing and Storage Facility Assessment |publisher=Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission |date=June 2019 |author=VHB}} After nearby residents objected to having the locomotive idle there, VTrans indicated in March 2020 that the Vermont Railway yard to the south would instead be modified to accommodate the train.{{cite press release |url=https://vtrans.vermont.gov/sites/aot/files/press-releases/Vermont%20Agency%20of%20Transportation%20announces%20Amtrak%20Burlington%20train%20parking%20location.pdf |title=Vermont Agency of Transportation announces Amtrak Burlington train parking location |date=March 12, 2020 |publisher=Vermont Agency of Transportation}}

Construction work at Union Station in preparation for the extension took place in late 2020 to early 2022. Work included construction of a longer platform for Amtrak trains, realignment of the single track, and relocation of the Island Line Trail to the west side of the track.{{cite news |url=https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2021/01/27/progress-burlington-amtrak-service-and-bike-path-relocation-moves-along/4276848001/ |title=Progress on Burlington Amtrak service and bike path relocation moves along |newspaper=The Burlington Free Press |date=January 27, 2021 |first=Ethan |last=Bakuli |access-date=July 12, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://vtrans.vermont.gov/sites/aot/files/rail/documents/AMTRAK%20to%20Burlington%20PR%20flyer_Draft_Upated%202022.pdf |title=Amtrak to Burlington |date=2022 |publisher=Vermont Agency of Transportation}} Ethan Allen Express service to Burlington began on July 29, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Delabruere |first=Dan |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Agency of Transportation Announces Start Date for Long-Awaited Amtrak Service in Burlington, Vergennes, and Middlebury |url=https://vtrans.vermont.gov/sites/aot/files/press-releases/06.16.2022%20-%20Agency%20of%20Transportation%20Announces%20Start%20Date%20for%20Long-Awaited%20Amtrak%20Service%20in%20Burlington,%20Vergennes,%20and%20Middlebury.pdf |publisher=Vermont Agency of Transportation}} Potential future Ethan Allen Express service expansions include a second daily trip to Burlington (using a different route between Albany and Rutland) and an extension to Essex Junction to provide a connection with the Vermonter (after the planned re-extension of the latter to Montreal).{{Cite web |date=May 2021 |title=Vermont Rail Plan: Passenger Rail Forecasting Scenarios |url=https://vtrans.vermont.gov/sites/aot/files/planning/documents/Tech%20Memo%204_PassengerRailRidershipForecast_20210511.pdf |publisher=Vermont Agency of Transportation |work=Vermont Rail Plan}} The station is also served by excursion trains operated by the Vermont Rail System.{{cite web |url=https://www.rails-vt.com/planning-resources/ |title=Planning Resources |website=Vermont Rail System |accessdate=August 15, 2024}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Amtrak web|BTN|Burlington, VT}}
• [https://www.mainstreetlanding.com/retail-and-office-rentals/tenants/union-station/ Union Station at Main Street Landing]

{{Amtrak Vermont stations}}

Category:Amtrak stations in Vermont

Burlington, Vermont

Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1916

Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 2000

Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 2022

Category:Buildings and structures in Burlington, Vermont

Category:Clock towers in Vermont

Category:Transportation buildings and structures in Chittenden County, Vermont

Burlington

Category:Former Rutland Railroad stations

Category:Railway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in Vermont

Category:Railway stations in the United States closed in 2003

Category:Railway stations in the United States closed in 1953

Category:Historic district contributing properties in Vermont