Here’s a quick update on the Minneapolis Great Northern Depot (the historic depot on Hennepin Ave):
- The Great Northern Depot, opened in 1914, was a major passenger hub in Minneapolis for several decades before it was torn down in 1978. The site later became part of development that eventually included the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis; today the downtown riverfront area near that site hosts other transportation nodes and developments.[1][3][7]
- After demolition, the area saw progressive changes, including the construction of new rail-related facilities nearby, such as the modern Union Depot complex in St. Paul and the later Target Field Station area, which sit a bit west of the original depot site.[3][7][1]
- If you’re looking for a concise historical overview, Minnesota Historical Society’s Mnopedia and Star Tribune archives provide detailed timelines and photos from the depot’s 1914 opening through its 1978 demolition, as well as context about passenger rail declines in the mid- to late-20th century.[2][9][3]
Illustration (conceptual):
- A timeline image showing: 1914 opening of the depot → peak passenger rail usage mid-20th century → 1978 demolition → site redevelopment (Federal Reserve Bank and surrounding projects) → later rail-oriented developments in downtown Minneapolis area.
If you’d like, I can pull together a short, citation-backed timeline or a map sketch showing the depot’s former location relative to today’s rail and transit assets.
Sources
This was followed in 2009 by the purchase of the headhouse (excluding the condos) for $8.1 million, thus uniting the entire station complex for the first time since the 1970s. … The project included many components: installation of light rail tracks along 4th Street; reconstruction of the plaza in front of the headhouse; restoration of historic features in the Great Hall and concourse; construction of new staircases, elevators and escalators from the concourse to ground level; and installation...
www.greatamericanstations.comStar Tribune staff photographer Art Hager captured these scenes of the railway station's destruction
www.startribune.comThe Minneapolis Great Northern Depot (also called the Great Northern Station) served as an important hub for passengers of several railroads throughout the state of Minnesota for more than sixty-five years.
www.mnopedia.orgAmtrak Exhibit Train To Make Inaugural Stop at Union Depot; Open for Free Tours
www.minneapolis.orgArticle by Michael Rainville, Jr. The Great Northern Depot, one of Minneapolis’ forme...
millcitytimes.comThe Minneapolis Great Northern Depot, also known as Great Northern Station, was a passenger railroad station which served Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It was bu...
www.wikiwand.comThe Minneapolis Great Northern Depot (also called the Great Northern Station) served as an important hub for passengers of several railroads throughout the state of Minnesota for more than sixty-five years.
www.mnhs.org