Historic Wilmington Amtrak station re-opens

The Amtrak station located in Wilmington, Del. opened December 6 to the public after being closed for extensive renovations since May 2009. Respected architect Frank Furness designed the historic station, built in 1907, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "This beautiful and historic train station, which is a gem for Wilmington and its citizens and one of the most popular and important station in the Amtrak system, is looking better and brighter every day," said Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker. The project included the restoration and waterproofing of the station's exterior, a complete renovation of the interior, along with track and platform improvements. Currently, repairs to numerous nearby bridges, installation of a new public address system, restroom upgrades and ADA improvements are being made. Final construction activities over the next few months will include completion of the concourse renovations and demolition of the temporary station. A rededication ceremony will be held in March 2011 when renovations are completed. The Wilmington Station is the 12th busiest station in the Amtrak family with 696,979 passengers in fiscal year 2010.