Worcester's Union Station

It is difficult to imagine a wedding taking place in Worcester's renovated historic train station that up until recently was in a horrible state of affairs, rundown and dilapidated. For decades the station was extremely active, until the railroad industry began its decline.

In 1975, the owner abandoned the building, and for the next twenty years it gradually deteriorated. Its main occupants, until its re-opening in 2000, were the homeless and pigeons.

In 1995 the Worcester Redevelopment Authority acquired the building, and with the injection of $32 million by the city, it was renovated, restoring it to its former majestic splendor. This only transpired, after there was a public outcry, when the initial plans were to demolish this historic property.

The original station was built between 1909 and 1911, and was designed to resemble a Roman basilica with arched doorways and two ornate Baroque towers at either end. Today's station was redesigned to be an "intermodal transportation center," with commuter and long-distance passenger rails combined with local and long distance bus service. The original features, however, were to be retained.

Prior to our station's visit, my wife and I could not fathom the thought of why anyone would want to tie the knot in an ornate renovated train station.

However, when we had the pleasure of dining in the newly opened "Union Station-The Restaurant," located in the station, any doubts we may have entertained were quickly dispelled.

Immediately, we were in awe at the beauty of the Grand Hall with its high large curved ceilings, the stained glass windows built to replicate the patterns and colors of the original ones, interior marble columns, wood trim, and the magnificent interior door and vaulting.

It is little wonder that it is often called Worcester's most beautiful building, and it was even awarded a design award from Preservation Worcester and the Central Massachusetts chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The restaurant, modeled after the original dining establishment that was located in the train station over a century ago, provides excellent catering services for any event staged in the station.

Having had the good fortune of tasting some of the restaurant's menu, we can comfortably state you will be in the hands of experts, if you decide to engage them as caterers.

As for renting the station, it should be noted that it is quite popular, and essentially you rent the premises from the City of Worcester.

Rental Information
Ellen M. Ganley: Tel: 508-799-1175
Email: ganley@ci.worcester.ma.us