Parking and Guest Entrances Remain Fully Open As Construction Underway On Station Improvements
KANSAS CITY, MO — Today, officials from Union Station shared construction updates as significant Western Expansion project kicks off. Several phases of construction are planned, beginning with areas featuring a new vehicular and pedestrian bridge spanning from the front southwest corner (Carriage Pavilion) of the Station into the 3rd level of the existing West Yards Garage. Construction of a new outdoor festival area will also kick off outside the existing Planetarium and Science Center.
“Early next week, visitors to Union Station will see the first signs of what is to be a tremendous guest experience improvement project here at Union Station”, George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station said. “Construction safety fencing will be in place within days around the first areas impacted, but little inconvenience will be felt by visitors. Short-term parking will still be available in front of the Station and entrances to our primary West Yards Garage parking will be unchanged. From parking areas, guests will take a similar walk into our several Station entrances. It’s exciting to see what until now has only been in plans and on paper take physical shape. This is a big moment in the history of Union Station . . . in fact the largest construction project since the historic Station was renovated and reopened in 1999. We can’t wait for Kansas City to experience what’s in store!”
A timeline of construction-related events includes:
Friday – January 8th – Construction safety fencing erected between the Planetarium and West Yards Garage – Fence gates remain open to allow normal traffic patterns. No impact to West Yards Garage access or guest entry on “B Level” next to Ticketing Office
Monday – January 18th – Construction safety fence gates closed – Access to OK Street from Broadway side closed, Grand Ave access to OK Street unchanged – No impact to guest access to West Yards Garage, then thru to “B Level” next to Ticketing
Monday – February 15th – Construction safety fencing erected around green space in front of Station, including east and middle entrance to South Plaza parking – west entrance (from Pershing) into South Plaza parking remains open throughout. Visitor parking in West Yards Garage parking remains open throughout as does the entrance to Station on “B Level” next to Ticketing
Further details are expected in mid-February as additional phases of the Western Expansion are kicked off. Union Station officials want to be very clear that access to normal parking areas, entrances and Station attractions, businesses and restaurants will experience very little if any disruption during all phases of construction.
“It’s business as usual here at the Station”, George Guastello said. “Our award-winning attractions, special events and celebrations will be open and just as wonderful as ever. 2015 ended with new records set at Kansas City’s monument. We expect 2016 to be another success while the beauty and functionality of the Western Expansion unfolds before our eyes. Everyone has reason to experience this excitement.”
Please see the diagram for reference points, parking areas and traffic flows. Union Station also launched an informational website with full details, illustrations, directions and up-to-date information. Access to this site is unionstation.org/westernexpansion or visit unionstation.org.
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About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization – is a 100-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science Center; the popular Model Railroad Experience; the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Union Station Media Contacts:
Michael Tritt 816.460.2278 | [email protected]
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