(rshsdepot) Union Station - Kansas City, MO

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

From Thursday's Kansas City Star.

Bernie Wagenblast
Transportation Communications Newsletter
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications/


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$1 Million Sought for Union Station

Jun. 9--Union Station officials have asked the Bistate Commission for $1.05 
million to improve the soon-to-open railroad museum and clear the way for a 
Harvey House Diner in the historic building.
The commission, which oversees the tax that was paid for Union Station's 
renovation, didn't take action Wednesday night. If approved, this would 
leave $70,000 of the $121.7 million raised by the tax.

In 1996, voters on both sides of the state line approved an eighth-cent 
sales tax to revitalize Union Station after years of neglect. The building 
reopened in 1999 but has struggled financially. Officials hope new exhibits 
will boost attendance and revenue.

Station president and chief executive Andi Udris explained how the $1.05 
million would help.

Some $700,000 of the amount would help beef up the railroad museum, which 
will include an engineer simulator that lets visitors "drive" a train. The 
railroad museum will open Sept. 23 even if the request is denied, officials 
said.

The station also wants to revamp its struggling food court, which has only 
two surviving eateries. The Harvey House, based on the classic train station 
restaurant, would take over the space, Udris said. He expects the restaurant 
could attract nearby workers for breakfast and lunch, especially once the 
new Internal Revenue Service offices across the street are completed.

It isn't clear how much the diner will cost; the station has asked for 
$150,000 for preliminary work.

Udris also requested $200,000 for parking and security equipment in a new 
garage that will be used by IRS and postal service employees.

These changes would help Union Station increase its income and improve its 
financial situation, Udris said. The building is expected to have a deficit 
of nearly $6.7 million this year.

Bistate commissioners said they need to make sure Udris' request fits within 
the original purpose of the tax. They also want to make sure their 
commission has enough money to continue to operate.

Even after all the tax money is spent, the commission will continue to have 
oversight over Union Station to make sure the building continues to follow 
the original ballot language, chairman Michael Copeland said.

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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #1155
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org