Union Station (Pittsburgh)
Union Station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a major railway station serving the city from its opening in 1898 until its decline in the mid-20th century. Built by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), it was considered a significant architectural achievement and a symbol of Pittsburgh's industrial prominence. The station's Beaux-Arts style design, primarily attributed to architect James Riley, featured a grand rotunda, vaulted ceilings, and elaborate ornamentation.
The station served numerous PRR passenger lines, connecting Pittsburgh to major cities across the United States. At its peak, it handled hundreds of trains daily and served millions of passengers annually. The decline in passenger rail travel after World War II led to a decrease in usage, and portions of the station were repurposed or fell into disrepair.
Today, Union Station has been redeveloped and is now known as The Pennsylvanian. While the train platforms are no longer in operation, the building itself has been preserved and converted into luxury apartments. The rotunda and other significant architectural details remain, serving as a reminder of the station's historical importance. The Pennsylvanian is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.