Perhaps you’ve wondered about this Italian Renaissance style building? That’s Peachtree Station. It stands as a testament to Atlanta’s evolving transportation history.
Peachtree Station began its life in 1918. It was designed by architect Neel Reid. Southern Railway built it as a commuter stop. This served the north side of town. Their main stop was Terminal Station downtown. Informally, people called it Brookwood Station. It was similar to Boston’s Back Bay station.
Southern Railway closed Terminal Station in 1970. They moved most services to Peachtree Station. However, the Nancy Hanks train used a platform near Terminal Station until 1971. Also in 1971, the statue of Samuel Spencer moved here. It had been at Terminal Station. It remained at Peachtree Station until 1996. When Union Station closed in 1971, Peachtree Station became Atlanta’s only passenger station.
Southern Railway stayed in the passenger business when Amtrak started. But, in 1975, Southern cut back to a single train. This was the Southern Crescent. For the first time, Atlanta was served by only one train. Southern exited the passenger business in 1979. They turned the Crescent over to Amtrak. Southern then leased Peachtree Station to Amtrak. This lease continued after Norfolk Southern acquired Southern.
Peachtree Station’s architecture is notable. It features Palladian windows. Classical elements like pilasters decorate the building. A molded entablature adds to its Renaissance style.
Many Amtrak passengers find the station small. It sits high above the tracks. Passengers must use a long stairway or elevator. This design shows its original purpose. It was a suburban stop for a smaller Atlanta.
Before the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the station’s interior had extensive remodeling.
There have been proposals for a new Amtrak station downtown. In 2011, Atlanta applied for a grant. The plan was to move the station to Northside Drive and 17th Street. This is near Atlantic Station. But the deal failed. The property sold to Fuqua Development.
In November 2011, the Georgia Department of Transportation contracted for plans. They wanted a new station in The Gulch area near Five Points. This would be close to the former Terminal Station. This station would serve Amtrak, MARTA, buses, and commuter rail lines.
Amtrak continues to explore options for a new facility. Sites under consideration include the former General Motors plant near the Doraville MARTA station.
Today, Peachtree Station serves the Amtrak Crescent route. One train arrives each direction daily. Southbound #19 arrives at 8:43 a.m. The northbound #20 arrives at 11:00 p.m.
So, as you pass through or wait for your train, remember Peachtree Station’s story. It reflects Atlanta’s growth and changes in rail travel. It links the past to the present. This station remains a key part of Atlanta’s transportation network.