A whisper of history echoes from these very walls. Welcome to the Rio Grande Depot a grand dame of Salt Lake City’s past.
This magnificent building wasn’t always a museum and research center. It opened in 1910. A stunning train station it cost a hefty $750000. That’s over $20 million today. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad commissioned it. Architect Henry Schlacks designed it. He’s better known for his churches in Chicago. He also designed the Denver and Rio Grande Depot in Grand Junction Colorado.
The Rio Grande Depot was designed to overshadow the nearby Union Pacific Depot. The original high-arched windows were green glass. This kept the waiting area cool. It was more than just a waiting room. Inside were a barber shop a restaurant a men’s smoking room and a women’s lounge. There was even a telegraph office and a souvenir snack bar.
The depot was a crucial part of Salt Lake City’s life. It welcomed immigrants. It sent soldiers off to war in both World Wars. The rise of cars in the 1950s hurt rail travel. Service at the depot declined.
In 1975 the Rio Grande Depot earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The State of Utah bought it in 1977 for a single dollar. Today it houses the Utah State Historical Society and its research center. The Utah Department of Heritage & Arts also calls it home. So does the Rio Gallery.
The 2020 Salt Lake City earthquake damaged the depot. Tenants including a cafe had to move. Amtrak used the depot from 1986 to 1999. It served as Salt Lake City’s Amtrak station. The California Zephyr Desert Wind and Pioneer trains all stopped here. The Desert Wind and Pioneer were discontinued in 1997. Amtrak eventually moved to the Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub.
There are plans to possibly reopen the Rio Grande Depot. The goal is to make it the main passenger rail and bus terminal. This would replace Salt Lake Central Station. The Rio Grande Plan involves moving rail traffic underground. This would open up development opportunities. The plan is ambitious and costly. Estimates range from $3 billion to $5 billion.
So as you stand before this impressive structure remember its rich history. The Rio Grande Depot is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a legacy a story waiting to be rediscovered.