Rehabilitated urban passenger rail stations

[thelakelander]

Once the largest train station south of Washington, D.C., more than fifty years have passed since the last passenger train left the station in 1974. Bolstered by plans to bring a University of Florida graduate campus to LaVilla and a $1.25 million grant from the Build American Bureau, passenger rail could be making its long awaited return to downtown. This will create the opportunity to reimagine the Prime Osborn Convention Center site as a major mixed use economic hub in LaVilla. With that in mind, here is a look at five rehabilitated passenger rail stations across the country.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/rehabilitated-urban-passenger-rail-stations/

[Ocklawaha]

The key takeaway is found in Raleigh; “station was designed to accommodate expansion to serve future commuter rail and high speed rail systems when they eventually materialize.”

With the narrow passage between the former Jax Terminal and McCoy’s Creek exacerbated by the lowering of the Park-Lee Street viaduct. Coupled with FDOT’s fumbled rail projects; Miami Intermodal FAIL and Tampa Union Station rebuild ignored by Brightline’s plans, doesn’t bode well for anything in JAX. Considering JTA’s complete and total ineptitude and revulsion at the mere mention of rail, Amtrak, Commuter Rail, Light Rail or Streetcar, I expect nothing of substance.

Frankly considering even the remote possibility of getting Brightline into Jacksonville, only a major coordinated effort would talk them into a 1919 era station.

Just a few years back FDOT/JTA published renderings of a reimagined JAX Terminal with 3 tracks. Now add Amtraks need for 3 with BL and you’ll need 2 more, then if JTA ever gets serious about Commuter Rail, 2 more tracks and this is a minimum. Unfortunately without a significant transformation at all of the above, we are not likely to be the next Raleigh, or Denver, or…

[Jrz Jax]

Just a few years back FDOT/JTA published renderings of a reimagined JAX Terminal with 3 tracks. Now add Amtraks need for 3 with BL and you’ll need 2 more, then if JTA ever gets serious about Commuter Rail, 2 more tracks and this is a minimum. Unfortunately without a significant transformation at all of the above, we are not likely to be the next Raleigh, or Denver, or…

Weird part of that rendering (if I'm looking at the same one) was the thru tracks for freight would be between the terminal and the platforms. It wasn't to utilize the underground tunnels, because the access would have been by pedestrian bridge, which would probably have to clear 20+ feet. That doesn't seem viable.

Interested to hear that Amtrak has an unshared 3-track minimum, because the station they are using now is 2 tracks plus thru. Couldn't see them needing more than 5 at any given time, even with all those services running full tilt.  They would need to get creative with the space because it is very tight.

But with the delays extending to Tampa with the right-of-way issues and the station upgrades, Jacksonville really could have pulled a power play to pivot Brightline to the First Coast, especially with some actual development money in hand. Or, we wait on line to only start the conversation 12, 15, 20 years down the line, if that.

[Charles Hunter]

I think we can put any hopes of federal funding to relocate Amtrak, or for any other rail infrastructure, for the next four years.

Is the $1.25 million grant from the Biden Administration in the City's bank account? If not, I wouldn't start spending it yet - at least until the "sequester" court cases are resolved.

[Jrz Jax]

Those are very good points, both on the money already earmarked and for funding in the foreseeable future.

Assuming that the $1.25 million survives being clawed back, I think it is still prudent to keep some level of activity to keep it viable. In four years -- or potentially in two years depending on the new Congress, the state of the economy, and the short shelf life of austerity politics -- ideally you have a shovel-ready project ready. I don't think it will be to that stage at that point, but at least some progress would help. Incremental progress over that time would be best, as each time it is keeping it in the conversation, and that buzz might get Brightline's attention if Orlando-to-Tampa delays keep piling up.

[thelakelander]

The grant's strongest thing going for it is being tied to the UF project. That predates the current administration.

[Charles Hunter]

The grant's strongest thing going for it is being tied to the UF project. That predates the current administration.

But, President Musk Trump put a 'hold' on all unspent grant and other funds. Whether that was legal is now in court.

[Ken_FSU]

Just got back from a couple of days of meetings in Denver.

Blown away by what they've done with Union Station.

Would be a great model for the Prime Osborne/UF.

[thelakelander]

Definitely a great model. Would love to some activity there, sooner, rather than later. But believe the city should retain ownership of the property.

[Charles Hunter]

Looking at a possible trip to Denver, they sure are proud of the hotel attached to their converted train station - very premium rates.

[Ken_FSU]

Looking at a possible trip to Denver, they sure are proud of the hotel attached to their converted train station - very premium rates.

Would recommend The Maven in the Dairy Block.

Nice rooms, tons of amenities, and a two-block walk to the Train Station.