Central Station

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Located at 545 South Main Street, Memphis Central Station was built by the Illinois Central in 1914. Central Station was the home of the IC, Frisco and Rock Island, and in the 1960's, the L&N. The L&N moved to Central Station from Union Station when Union Station closed in the early 60's. Union Station, s located two blocks east of Central Station on the corner of Third and Calhoun  was torn down when the present main Memphis Post Office was constructed. Union Station's other tenants, the Southern Railway and Missouri Pacific moved their passenger trains to their freight depots, located at Court and Lauderdale Streets an on West Calhoun Street respectively. Even though still used by Amtrak, Central Station fell into disrepair following the abandonment by the Illinois Central as a divisional headquarters and the discontinuance of rail passenger service by the railroads. It underwent  a $23.2 million dollar redevelopment and grand reopening was held on September 24th and 25th, 1999. A $250 per person Gala and dinner dance was held on September 24th in the station's main hall and on the station platform, and on September 25th a free festival was on South Main Street. Public tours were given during both events, including visits to model apartments among 63 being constructed on the upper floors. Festival goers also toured an Amtrak Train the building, and werte treated to a model train exhibit. The renovated station has a new Amtrak ticket office, a police precinct station,  8,000 square feet of commercial space, and the main hall which is used for public and private events. The first phase of the project was completed in August, 1999,  and included a bus transfer area, two parking lots, Amtrak platform canopy, landscaping and lighting.

 

Video of the Northbound City of New Orleans:

Additional Video of the Southbound City of New Orleans: Click Here

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