Ogden Union Station

On the platforms, looking south...

Platform sign...

The Depot's seen better days, but they've seen worse, too. At least it survives, and still has tracks to it.

Unlike my hometown farther south. Salt Lake City's fathers, displaying the lack of foresight common to Salt Lake City politicians, ripped up to the tracks to not one but both of Salt Lake's historic depots, leaving them rootless. Both buildings were once owned by either the state or the city. The old Rio Grande depot still is, and houses the Utah Historical Society. But the Union Pacific depot was sold by Salt Lake City to a developer for a song, which proceeded to gut the building. The old depot fixtures were sent to the dump. All in the persuit of elusive property tax dollars - which no one ever checks to see if those promised dollars materialize.

Either could have served as a commuter rail / light rail / bus hub for the city, an excellent gateway to the "Crossroads of the West." Instead, Amtrak passengers see a grimy collection of industrial buildings, and the old abandoned Rio Grande freighthouse. The depots have been replaced by an Amshack, a dingy-gray double-wide that lacks any of the class, grandeur, or history of either of the old depots.

Such is Salt Lake urban planning. But that's another rant for another time.

But it appears Ogden will display more foresight. I hope so.