Tampa’s grand gateway is getting a glow-up. Renovations are officially underway at Tampa Union Station, with a $4 million investment breathing new life into one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Funded by the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), this project includes fresh paint, all-new windows, and key updates to both the interior and exterior. Completion is slated for December 2025.
But this isn’t just about cosmetics.
While the historic train station will continue to serve Amtrak passengers, the big-picture vision includes transforming unused areas into a community gathering space. Early ideas on the table? A coffee shop, co-working spaces, and more local events that invite residents and visitors to experience a building brimming with character and history.
And if recent numbers are any indication, there’s never been a better time to invest in the station’s future. In fiscal year 2024, Tampa Union Station welcomed over 156,000 Amtrak riders—a 21% jump from the previous year and the highest ridership in more than a decade, according to a report by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. That surge cements the station’s role as one of Florida’s busiest Amtrak hubs.
A historic landmark in the heart of downtown
Located at the crossroads of the rapidly growing “Five Points” district—which includes South Ybor, GasWorx, the Channel District, Water Street, and ENCORE!—Tampa Union Station is more than just a transportation hub. It’s a beautifully preserved window into Tampa’s past, with a promising role in its future…