Union Station smells like urine, has a homeless problem, and is half deserted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it mind boggling that Bowser wants to spend over $10 billion on the station. Renovation to make it less dingy and make the passenger areas easier to navigate? Fine by me. But that’s the kind of money DC badly needs for new transportation infrastructure, not a vanity project improving a waiting area.

I don’t. I remember the station in multiple iterations. There’s a strong argument to be made for what revitalizing the station can do for tourism, for the neighborhood, and for the city as a welcoming destination as well as as a critical transportation hub.

This! This station needs serious help and is a disgrace for our nation's capital.

Unless you allow police to evict the homeless, it won't matter how much money they pour into the station. I doubt you can do that though because they have a right to be anywhere open to the public

Why do they have a right to just lay down, urinate and sleep in public? I'm not a fan of loitering.

Charles Allen.

Muriel Bowser.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Even using it "just as a train station" it is really awkward/uncomfortable to visit the bathroom, as we sometimes need to do. Smelly, small, urine soaked stalls to squeeze into with a suitcase. It's the stuff of nightmares .

Your DC family/friends don't like you if they didn't tell you not to use the Union Station bathrooms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Even using it "just as a train station" it is really awkward/uncomfortable to visit the bathroom, as we sometimes need to do. Smelly, small, urine soaked stalls to squeeze into with a suitcase. It's the stuff of nightmares .

Your DC family/friends don't like you if they didn't tell you not to use the Union Station bathrooms.

True. But I'm from DC and sometimes use the train station to travel, and grab a coffee, and have to go. Seems reasonable to expect a decent bathroom facility in such a handsome and central rail station in DC - the one with aspirations to statehood and all..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to hate Penn Station, but the Moynihan Train Hall is wonderful. Same with LGA. That was a horrible airport but now it is beautiful. So things can improve if there is the will to do so.

The Moynihan has no seating. Ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to hate Penn Station, but the Moynihan Train Hall is wonderful. Same with LGA. That was a horrible airport but now it is beautiful. So things can improve if there is the will to do so.

The Moynihan has no seating. Ridiculous.

who cares

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Union Station DC was not also an office building. And it had little retail aside from newsstands and the Savarius Restaurant in the East Hall which was reknown for serving black patrons/travelers. It was utilized as a canteen during WWII. It wasn’t a standalone business or tourist destination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Even using it "just as a train station" it is really awkward/uncomfortable to visit the bathroom, as we sometimes need to do. Smelly, small, urine soaked stalls to squeeze into with a suitcase. It's the stuff of nightmares .

Your DC family/friends don't like you if they didn't tell you not to use the Union Station bathrooms.

True. But I'm from DC and sometimes use the train station to travel, and grab a coffee, and have to go. Seems reasonable to expect a decent bathroom facility in such a handsome and central rail station in DC - the one with aspirations to statehood and all..

The old Penn Station was bad too, but not as bad. It always smelled like lemon yogurt for some reason, which was just so disgusting. But I guess I sort of expect that from NYC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to hate Penn Station, but the Moynihan Train Hall is wonderful. Same with LGA. That was a horrible airport but now it is beautiful. So things can improve if there is the will to do so.

The Moynihan has no seating. Ridiculous.

the lack of seating is to deter homeless campers. The old Penn Station had no seating either except in ticketed lounges. The last time I was there, you could still wait there for your Amtrak. Grand Central has no seating either AFAIK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Even using it "just as a train station" it is really awkward/uncomfortable to visit the bathroom, as we sometimes need to do. Smelly, small, urine soaked stalls to squeeze into with a suitcase. It's the stuff of nightmares .

Your DC family/friends don't like you if they didn't tell you not to use the Union Station bathrooms.

True. But I'm from DC and sometimes use the train station to travel, and grab a coffee, and have to go. Seems reasonable to expect a decent bathroom facility in such a handsome and central rail station in DC - the one with aspirations to statehood and all..

The old Penn Station was bad too, but not as bad. It always smelled like lemon yogurt for some reason, which was just so disgusting. But I guess I sort of expect that from NYC.

I know exactly what smell you’re talking about. I always thought it was a mix of lemon floor cleaner, body odor and all the fast food/pizza places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Even using it "just as a train station" it is really awkward/uncomfortable to visit the bathroom, as we sometimes need to do. Smelly, small, urine soaked stalls to squeeze into with a suitcase. It's the stuff of nightmares .

Your DC family/friends don't like you if they didn't tell you not to use the Union Station bathrooms.

True. But I'm from DC and sometimes use the train station to travel, and grab a coffee, and have to go. Seems reasonable to expect a decent bathroom facility in such a handsome and central rail station in DC - the one with aspirations to statehood and all..

The old Penn Station was bad too, but not as bad. It always smelled like lemon yogurt for some reason, which was just so disgusting. But I guess I sort of expect that from NYC.

I know exactly what smell you’re talking about. I always thought it was a mix of lemon floor cleaner, body odor and all the fast food/pizza places.

omg I am so glad someone else knows what I mean!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to hate Penn Station, but the Moynihan Train Hall is wonderful. Same with LGA. That was a horrible airport but now it is beautiful. So things can improve if there is the will to do so.

The Moynihan has no seating. Ridiculous.

the lack of seating is to deter homeless campers. The old Penn Station had no seating either except in ticketed lounges. The last time I was there, you could still wait there for your Amtrak. Grand Central has no seating either AFAIK.

Vanderbilt Hall (adjacent to the main concourse) in Grand Central Terminal used to have benches for seating, as did the original beaux arts Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just walked through Union Station on my way to an appointment. While US used to be a destination/ meetup for me — anyone else remember the awesomeness that was B. Smith’s? — I wouldn’t describe it that way anymore. There were lots of closed storefronts, which I’m guessing are at least partly related to COVID. The large store that replaced the book shop is gapingly vacant, and the cheerfulness that I remember from pre-COVID holiday seasons just wasn’t there (yet). But I did not, at any point, feel unsafe. There was visible security— including a dog. People lined up for their trains. People like me wove ourselves through the lines to get where we needed to go. It was fine. It wasn’t pretty, or festive like it has been, but it was fine.

Yes, I remember! That was a great place. (I get sad thinking about what happened to her though.) I haven’t been to Union Station in years, but it was a fun place to pop in especially with out of towners. Sad to hear that it is mostly vacant now.

Its primary function is as a train station. The 'festival marketplace'/shopping mall is a secondary function.

Like the top PP, I use Union Station as a train station, and I have never felt unsafe.

Give me a break. I never said I felt unsafe. I grew up in the Murder Capital of the World before it shared that title with DC. So many people living in the city today are just suburbanites. They aren’t really urban people.

Central stations like Union Station were built to be more than train stations. They were office buildings and retail too. And yes, they were meant to provide a positive vibe as a gateway to the city. These central stations were not solely a ticket office with a platform for those built for hopping the train in less populous areas like the Herndon station.

Fine that you just use Union Station for the trains, however, you are ignorant of the building’s larger purpose.

Union Station DC was not also an office building. And it had little retail aside from newsstands and the Savarius Restaurant in the East Hall which was reknown for serving black patrons/travelers. It was utilized as a canteen during WWII. It wasn’t a standalone business or tourist destination.

Should add that there was a large non-segregated lunch counter. Plus a cigar vendor and barber in the former men’s waiting lounge. The concourse was a vast open area with ticket counters located in the West Hall (later expanded to the Main Hall) to accommodate the large number of pre-war travelers. This space was carved up as part of the 1980s renovation when huge holes were cut into the Main Hall for access to the new basement food court and multiplex movie theater.

[Anonymous]

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/woman-attacked-by-men-near-union-station-entrance-says-security-did-nothing/3267248/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/woman-attacked-by-men-near-union-station-entrance-says-security-did-nothing/3267248/

There is something fundamentally broken in this city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/woman-attacked-by-men-near-union-station-entrance-says-security-did-nothing/3267248/

There is something fundamentally broken in this city.

My husband, 6'2" and a strong 220 lbs, has expressed how he often feels unsafe at Union Station in the evenings to get his MARC train.