Lawrence, Kansas, Santa Fe Station
The Lawrence, Kansas, Santa Fe Station (Amtrak/ BNSF depot), constructed in 1955, is a prime example of 1950s Midwestern Modern style. Architect graduates of the local University of Kansas, Warren Corman and Warren Jones, designed the building in keeping with the times – sleek, efficient, and technologically advanced. Its design consists of two rectangles of light brown brick and glass that are attached end-to-end and tied together with a sweeping metal cornice that shelters passengers and freight from drop-off to loading. While its appearance is dramatic, it was designed with function in mind. The larger rectangle contains the passenger waiting room, with large windows and doors front and back to greet departing and arriving passengers. Fortunately, the building exterior has changed little since 1955, and the interior retains most of its original design features. Amtrak recently completed a major upgrade to the station platform. Preservation will require additional work typical for a building of its age. The City of Lawrence is currently evaluating the building for its potential use as a multimodal transit facility, and federal and state governments are exploring opportunities for expanded inter-city passenger rail service connecting to Kansas City and cities in Oklahoma and Texas.
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