Rediscovering the Rio Grande Depot
Built in 1910 at a cost of $750,000, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Depot—better known as the Rio Grande Depot—stands as one of Salt Lake City’s grandest historic landmarks. Designed in a blend of Renaissance Revival and Beaux‑Arts architecture by Chicago architect Henry J. Schlacks, it was intended to outshine the nearby railroad station across town.
For nearly 90 years, the depot served as the city’s primary passenger rail hub—welcoming travelers aboard the California Zephyr, Desert Wind, and Pioneer lines, and even serving as a departure point for soldiers during both World Wars. However, as highway travel became dominant and Amtrak moved operations in 1999, the depot’s tracks were removed and the building was repurposed into a home for the Utah State Historical Society and cultural organizations.
What Is the Rio Grande Plan?
Proposed by citizens in 2020, the Rio Grande Plan envisions restoring the depot to its former purpose as the region’s central transit hub—while bringing Salt Lake City’s rail system underground. Key elements include:
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Moving Amtrak, FrontRunner, and freight rail into a covered trench (a “train box”) beneath 500 West
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Eliminating five at-grade crossings along with overpasses on 400, 500, and 600 South
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Opening up roughly 75 acres of land for new mixed-use development
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Turning the historic Depot into a central facility, with connects to TRAX, bus services, and pedestrian plazas on Rio Grande Street.
Why the Plan Matters to Salt Lake City
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Safety & Connectivity
Removing train crossings will minimize pedestrian and vehicle accidents—while reconnecting Salt Lake City’s east and west sides, long divided by railroad tracks and I‑15. -
Economic Activation
Redeveloping freed-up rail yards creates space for new housing, commercial districts, parks—supporting walkability and local investment. -
Historic Preservation & Transit Efficiency
Restoring the Rio Grande Depot as a vibrant, active transit station honors the city’s past while re-centering reliable rail service in the urban core—close to businesses, neighborhoods, and amenities.
What’s Next?
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In 2023, local leaders received a federal grant to study east–west transit solutions—including the Rio Grande Plan as the most ambitious option.
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Current estimates put the project’s cost between $3 billion and $5 billion, pending stakeholder collaboration and alignment with UTA and Union Pacific standards.
Final Thoughts
The Rio Grande Plan offers Salt Lake City one of its most inspiring opportunities in generations: to reimagine urban life, revitalize historic infrastructure, and rebuild connections across communities. Rerouting rail underground and restoring the Depot not only preserves a piece of our heritage—it paves the way for a more walkable, integrated, and future-ready downtown.
