So, How Old is Chicago Union Station? Asking for a Friend (Probably Abraham Lincoln)
Let's face it, Chicago Union Station is a grand dame. It oozes history like a vintage suitcase forgotten in the attic. But unlike your grandma's lumpy nightgown collection, this history is actually pretty darn interesting. So, how old is this architectural masterpiece, you ask? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into a time machine (metaphorically speaking, because you know, real time machines haven't been invented...yet).
From Humble Beginnings to Head-Turning Grandeur
The story of Chicago Union Station doesn't start with a bang, but with a grumble. Apparently, back in the day, there were a bunch of different train stations scattered around the city, causing confusion that would make a jet-lagged traveler want to crawl back into bed. Enter Daniel Burnham, the architect with the plan. He envisioned a grand central station, a place that would bring order to the chaos and make Chicago proud.
Hold on Now, Construction Takes Time (Especially When You're Building a Palace)
Now, Burnham might have had the vision, but building a station worthy of the Windy City wasn't exactly a walk in the park. It took a whole decade, from 1913 to 1925, to turn those blueprints into reality. That's ten years of construction workers dodging bricks, architects arguing about arches, and enough scaffolding to make a skyscraper jealous.
Finally, A Grand Unveiling (Cue the Jazz Hands!)
In 1925, Chicago Union Station finally emerged from its chrysalis, a beautiful butterfly with a limestone facade and a soaring skylight. It was a hit from the start, a bustling hub of travel and a symbol of the city's growing importance.
So, How Old is the Lady? We Do the Math!
Now for the moment you've all been waiting for. As of today, May 5th, 2024, some quick subtraction tells us that Chicago Union Station is a sprightly 99 years old. That's nearly a century of watching trains come and go, farewell kisses exchanged under the clock, and businessmen rushing to catch the 8:15 (hopefully they haven't forgotten their briefcase again).
Looking Towards the Future: Still Young at Heart!
At 99, Chicago Union Station might not be able to run a marathon, but it's definitely not ready to be put out to pasture. It's constantly undergoing renovations, keeping up with the times while holding onto its historic charm. Here's to many more years of this grand dame gracing the Chicago skyline!
