Michigan Southern Depot
Life Span: 1867-1871
Location: SW corner of LaSalle and Van Buren Streets
Architect: W. W. Boyington
Chicago Illustrated, November, 1866
THIS IMPOSING BUILDING was commenced on the 16th of April, 1866, and is now completed. It is of the Franco-Italian style. The building measures 542 feet by 160 feet; these measurements are exclusive of the outside platforms from which are under the general roof-the total width being 180 feet. The central or great roof over the tracks is 132 feet span; the side platforms are 27 feet wide, and the central one 16 feet. There are three tracks for departing trains, and two for trains arriving. The height of the roof is 60 feet from the platforms. The construction of the roof is the Howe Truss, with auxiliary beams above, to give the regular slope for a slate roof. Running along the centre and between each truss is a sky-light and tunnel ventilation. On the sides are French roofs above the walls, and large triplet Dormer windows, the whole giving a clear and cheerful light to the interior. The effect is greatly enhanced by a tasteful and harmonious coloring of the walls and roof. On the west side of the building are a number of rooms for the accommodations of travelers waiting for the departure of trains. These rooms connect with the platform within the depot, and front on Sherman and Griswold streets. Each of the several companies using this depot has its baggage rooms, oil and lamp rooms, conductors’ room, and large waiting apartments for ladies and gentlemen. There are rooms, also, for second class passengers, and emigrants, provided with all conveniences. These several rooms are appropriately furnished. There is also a spacious restaurant and ladies dining room. All the employees of the several roads have their appropriate rooms and offices.
The front of this vast building,-being the part shown in this view,-is in addition to the depot building proper. It is 173 feet wide by 63 deep, amking the entire length of the edifice 605 feet. It is occupied by the official staff of the several railroad companies. There is a central entrance hall, handsomely frescoed and finished. On the east side of this hall are the offices of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad Company. These offices number twenty-three rooms, nine of which are fire and burglar proof. On the west side of the hall are the offices of the Chicago and Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company, occupying the same number and style of rooms. The several stories are reached by broad flights of stairs, and the building is rendered more complete by an ample supply of bathrooms, closets, etc. From the towers an excellent view of the city can be obtained.
The building has been constructed in the most substantial manner and of the best material; while there might have been more display in the way of ornament, there has been no lack of expenditure to secure for the traveling public every possible security, protection and comfort. Those who have traveled can appreciate the value of comfort, regularity, convenience, cleanliness and order at the depots in large cities, where they arrive and depart almost every hour trains for widely separated destinations. In all that tends to the comfort of the traveler, this depot building is a model of elegance and order.
This immense building was commenced, erected and completed within one year. The following persons engaged in the work: W. W. Boyington, Esq., Architect and Superintendent-in-chiel, J. W. Roberts, Ornamental Draughtsman, J. Morris, Superintendent, Mortimer and Tapper, Contractors for building. Warwick and Cassidy and A. Grannis, Carpenters. Boomer, Boyington and Co., Roof Truss builders. Jevne and Alumni, Artists, Decorators and Painters. James Parker, and Griffiths and Clark, Slaters and Tinners. Scanlan and Bowden, Plumbers. J. Nash, Gas Fitter. G. Gladding, Sewage.
The building is warmed and ventilated by Baker & Smith’s low pressure Steam Generator.
James W. Sheahan, Esq.,
November, 1866
Chicago Tribune October 10, 1866
A number of gentlemen interested in the Michigan Southern Railroad, including the officers of the road paid a visit yesterday afternoon to the new Union depot, now being erected by the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana, and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Companies for the purpose of viewing the progress of the work. Among the gentlemen present were E. B. Phillips, Esq., the President of the Michigan Southern Road; C. Harris, Esq., Superintendent of the West Division; S. C. Hough, Esq., General Passenger Agent, N. M. Wheeler, Esq., Depot Master, and 4 others.
The mammoth depot is fast approaching completion, and the main part will be opened for passenger use about a month from date. The depot occupies the block between Jackson and Van Buren streets and Griswold and Sherman streets, fronting up Jackson. La Salle street is being opened through to Jackson street, and will terminate in front of the depot. The building is of Joliet stone, and was designed by W. W. Boyington , Esq., architect of this city. The entire length is 504 feet; the width 160 feet. The front section, which will contain the general offices of both companies, is fifty-two feet deep by one hundred and sixty wide, and three stories high. On each front cornerare towers twenty feet square, seventy-four and a half feet high, projecting eight feet from the front and containing four stories.
In the middle of the front is another tower. 80 feet high, 34 feet wide, projecting three feet, and containing five stories. The Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Company will occupy the east half, and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific the west half. A hall fifteen feet wide runs through to the part occupied by the tracks.
South of this first section is the main portion of the building, namely the Passenger Depot, which is the same width, and 600 feet long. This is undoubtedly, in point of size and accommodations, one of the finest depots in the country, and, when completed, it will present quite an imposing appearance. It contains five car tracks, three on the west side for outgoing trains, and two on the east side for incoming trains. The tracks are surrounded by platforms twenty-seven feet in width, with a middle platform sixteen feed wide. The interior sides of the walls will be frescoed, and over each door and window will be painted an arch, with the names of the various stations on the road. This part of the work has been entrusted to Messrs. Jevne & Almini, of our city.
- Michigan Southern Railroad Passenger Depot
The main entrance to Depot is from Griswold street, where an outside terminal, roofed over, extends from North to South of the building. The west side of the depot is entirely devoted to rooms and offices, which are all constructed on an improved plan, with every convenience which could be desired. At the southwest corner is the out-going baggage rooms, eighty-eight feet in length, and surrounded with a spacious platform for the use of the public. The conductor’s room, the brakeman’s room, forty-five by twenty-three and one-half feet, with public water closets attached; the gentleman’s room, 56 by 23½, with closets and other accommodations; the ladies’ waiting room 53 by 23½, with ante-room and closets, and the Refectory, a spacious apartment, 44 by 23½, with the same accommodations. The dining hall, pantries, closets, kitchen and ticket office, with a variety of rooms, complete the list.
The height of the depot is seventy feet to the highest point of the arch. The roof is of the Normand or French style, containing windows, which, with the numerous ones below, will furnish abundant light and make the building more cheerful than depots generally are. The roof is supported by Hows’ trusses at intervals of every twenty feet.
The entire building will cost $200,000, and it is thought, to be completed by May 1st, 1867.
Bids will be opened to-day for raising and paving Griswold and Sherman streets, so as to make the depot easily approachable.
The Michigan Southern Company is also erecting an immense an immense freight depot, extending from Harrison street south to Polk, between Griswold and Sherman streets. It will be fiufty-one feet wide and six hundred feet long; the front portion being two stories in height and containing the local freight offices. The plan was made in the office of the Chief Engineer. This building will contain standing room for twenty cars, and storage room for two thousand tons. It will also have transfer tables for sending the cars from the depot to the track outside. The building will be completed in about thirty days, and will cost $47,000.
- lMichigan Southern Railroad Passenger Depot Advertising Card
- Michigan Southern Railroad Passenger Depot
Photographer: Copelin and Melander
- Michigan Southern Railroad Passenger Depot
Photographer: John Carbutt
- Ruins of the Michigan Southern Railroad Passenger Depot
October, 1871
- Michigan Southern Railroad Passenger Depot
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
1869
THE REBUILT STATION (1873-1903)
- The depot was rebuilt in 1873 with a very similar structure.
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