Study favors downtown Des Moines train depot

Written by jrood

The historic Rock Island Lines' depot in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, should be restored as the city's train station - if Chicago-to-Des Moines passenger railroad service is re-established - a new report recommends, according to the Des Moines Register.

A study made public by the
Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization examined six potential
sites. There were five in the downtown area and one in West Des Moines’ Valley
Junction.

The report concluded that
the century-old Rock Island depot, which is in the heart of downtown near the
Court Avenue District, is still the best place for people in the Des Moines
area to get on and off passenger trains.

The site is along the main
line track of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, which operates freight trains
between Chicago and Council Bluffs over the former Rock Island tracks.

The old Rock Island depot,
at 100 Fourth St., is owned and occupied by Business Publications, although it
is now for sale.

"When you think about
it, it’s an obvious conclusion," said Glenn Lyons, president of the
Downtown Community Alliance. People could easily get off a train at the depot
and walk or take a taxi to downtown offices or hotels, Lyons said.

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