Across major American cities, historic train stations—once bustling centers of travel—are finding new life as luxury hotels. These iconic buildings, often constructed from stone and brick, were designed to accommodate tens of thousands of passengers daily, making them both architecturally stunning and structurally resilient.
While many fell into disuse by the 1980s, cities are now revitalizing these landmarks, blending history with modern hospitality.
Detroit’s Michigan Central Station: A Billion-Dollar Revival
For decades, Michigan Central Station in Detroit stood as a symbol of urban decline—abandoned, vandalized, and neglected. Now, thanks to a $1 billion investment from Ford, the station has been reborn as a multi-use facility.
New Features Include:
✅ 13 acres of parks
✅ Office spaces for startups and Ford itself
✅ A luxury hotel occupying four of its 16 floors
The transformation of Michigan Central Station isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about fueling innovation and community growth.
For those fascinated by historic restoration, Bloomberg’s exclusive on the station’s rebirth is a must-read.
Denver’s Union Station: A Hub of Luxury and Activity
Once welcoming 50,000 passengers daily, Denver’s Union Station saw rail traffic decline significantly after the early 2000s. Though never abandoned, it lost its vibrancy—until a $54 million renovation brought it back to life.
Today, Union Station is:
✅ A luxury hotel
✅ A bustling center of shops, cafés, and fine dining
✅ A fully operational train station, now serving 10,000+ passengers daily
With its massive arched windows and elegant restoration, Union Station has become a symbol of Denver’s urban renewal.
Salt Lake City’s Union Pacific Depot Becomes the Asher Adams Hotel
After Amtrak pulled out in 1986, Salt Lake City’s Union Pacific Depot stood mostly unused for over a decade. Attempts at repurposing the space—including a restaurant and music venue in 2006—were short-lived.
In 2024, however, the depot reopened as the Asher Adams Hotel, named after the first men to map America’s railroad routes.
Hotel Highlights:
🏨 225 guest rooms
🏨 13 luxury suites
🏨 A gateway to Salt Lake City’s premier shopping and business district
Architect Emir Tursic of HKS Architects, which led the restoration, told the BBC that demolishing the station was never an option:
“The public had an emotional connection to it. It’s part of our cultural heritage.”
Why These Renovations Make Sense
While nostalgia and cultural preservation are strong motivations, experts argue that these projects also make financial sense.
With prime locations, stunning architecture, and a growing demand for unique accommodations, historic train stations provide the perfect foundation for luxury hospitality.
