posted
I know there is already a thread on the station, but these are new pictures and I didn't want this one to slip by----the photos are INCREDIBLE!!!! You guys have got to see this:
Click on "Photos". You won't believe what the lobby looks like now. I can't wait to see it in-person!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
Beautiful! The first 2 pictures appear to be new today. It looks like the main renovation of the lobby is nearly done, let's start moving in the benches!
In the first picture, the wall with the 4 doors is on the south side of the building and will lead to the stub tracks (the old ticket counter used to on the right side of that wall). The doors on the left side of the picture will lead to the through tracks that the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and some Cascades trains use. The new ticket counter and baggage areas that opened last year are off to the right of that picture.
In the 2nd picture, the south side of the building is on the left side and you are looking at the bathrooms on the far wall. On the far right side of that picture you can see the old entry doors from the taxi plaza. You also can see a staircase that leads to the 2nd floor, but there will be a grander marble staircase that leads from the Jackson Street Plaza into the station, but I don't think that part of the project will be open until summer.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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I did a SODO walk-around this morning and took a look at the new station and even caught a glimpse of the new Talgo trainset. Both are very shiny. The station project isn't complete yet so there still is a construction wall preventing the public from entering the work area. But the ceiling is visible from the public space and there are enough cracks in the wall to allow a pretty good look at the lobby area. Like I said: "IT'S SHINY" and absolutely beautiful.
The new trainset is tucked away inside the Talgo maintenance shed, but its sparkle is visible from Holgate Street (south of the shed). The new, controversial cab car is barely visible, but I have to say that it isn't as hideous as previous pictures suggest. Rugged might be a better word to describe it. I wouldn't want to marry it, however. What I don't like about the new trainset is that it was built without the fins. The current Talgos look very beautiful when I see them running and I'm afraid the fin-less trains will lack the elegance that distinguishes the current trains.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
Oh wow, only a few days away. I am so impressed with what they have done. Honestly, I did not know there was such beauty underneath all of that "gunk".
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I've been through King Street Station 6-8 times since my first visit to Seattle in 1989 and I cannot believe that this is really the same place.
On my last visit in 2011 the drop ceiling was gone and there was finally a hint at what was to come...... but this surpasses my wildest imagination.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Vincent206: Grand re-opening is scheduled for April 24th.
My wife and I will be arriving the following day. I guess we will miss the festivities.
Posts: 229 | From: Long Beach CA | Registered: Jan 2007
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posted
I'm going to be out of town until Sunday, so I'll miss the grand re-opening, but I hope somebody can find some pictures to post. I'm hearing that the grand staircase from Jackson Plaza will be finished in time for the ribbon cutting.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
I walked through the station this morning and it's amazing to see the total transformation of the facility. The terrazzo floor is beautifully restored, the marble and plaster work look great and the tilework on the walls absolutely sparkles. In the center of the lobby there are 4 nice, oversized wooden benches for passengers and the perimeter of the lobby has newer, modern, but appropriate looking lobby furniture. There's still a bit of a "new station smell" in the air and I think once things are worn in a bit, everything will look even better. Passengers will now be able to enter the station from Jackson Street via the "Grand Staircase" (which isn't quite finished yet) or via doors that lead to the 2nd story observation area with a choice of descending to the lobby via a regular staircase or by using an elevator. The King Street doors are still open and they will lead to taxis, Thruway buses and the stadiums. The station's acoustics are a bit mushy and there isn't an arrivals/departures board yet, but it's great to see this (almost) finished project. I hope you all get a chance to check it out soon!
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
Looking around at other Amtrak forums, it looks like more delays. The north end of the station is not quite finished. Also, the King Street station needs a new baggage carousel and there isn't, as yet, money for that. Also, the upper floor still needs final completion.
Also, they may have been planning a Metropolitan Lounge, but the problem with funding may delete that project. I hope that isn't the case..a Met Lounge would be great.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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Saw it several days ago and it is beautiful. Funny story- the globes covering the lights in the main waiting room are all missing. They are reproductions and one fell last week. Not wanting to knock out any passengers all 58 are in storage until they figure out the problem. Info courtesy of a very friendly and knowledgeable security cop.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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