In many areas of the country, railroad stations are being re-awakened and brought back to a beautiful new life. The small town railroad station which had been closed down, boarded up and left to crumble into dust for many years is now being converted to a useful and desirable part of town. The large abandoned terminals which were once the busiest and most accessible buildings in a city are no longer deserted and deteriorating but have been converted to shopping centers, entertainment venues, and hotels. Stations along commuter lines in smaller towns are being used for small cafes, coffee shops, a flower shop and an assorted businesses to take care of the needs of the commuter.
Things have been changing along the old rights-of-way. Former railroad depots have been fixed up and now serve as retail furniture stores, antique or gift shops, as restaurants, even beauty salons. When the building has burned down or has been demolished, the area has often has been converted into commuter parking space.
Among the larger vacant train stations, the plan is to facelift the historic structure and redevelop the space into hotels, offices, stores and parking garages. For example, the St. Louis Union Station has undergone a $135 million renovation and now includes entertainment areas for cultural activities, specialty retail shops, restaurants, and a 550-room luxury hotel.
In the state of New Jersey alone, more than 140 train stations have been involved in a re-awakening of redevelopment interest. Mass transit experts, community leaders, and real estate investors have been planning on how to use an old railroad station to liven up a whole section of town. Developing the railroad station can encourage other new real estate ventures in the nearby area.