Open houses of Sound Transit's Union Station set for Nov. 8, 9 and 10

Sound Transit invites everyone to visit the newly restored Union Station headquarters during three open houses the second week of November. Jointly sponsored by neighboring business and community organizations, each of the free open houses will feature entertainment from local jazz artists, light refreshments and informative displays.

From the impressive Great Hall to the restroom tiles, the "Beaux Arts" style Union Station has undergone a painstaking 14-month renovation, being authentically restored to its former architectural glory while still creating a state-of-the-art office building.

Sound Transit staff will officially move into historic Union Station on Nov. 1, bringing a new role for the 88 year-old Seattle landmark as the regional transit agency's permanent headquarters.

Union Station first opened in 1911 and for more than half a century served as a major gateway to Puget Sound for millions of people. Since 1971, it has remained dormant and unoccupied, with the exception of occasional use of the Great Hall for special events.

Sound Transit is moving forward implementing Sound Move, the regional transit plan approved by voters in 1996 that includes: Sounder trains with two-way rush hour service between Tacoma and Seattle in 2000 and extended service north to Everett and south to Lakewood in 2001; Link light rail between SeaTac and Northgate by 2006 and a 1.6 mile downtown Tacoma Link line in 2001, and Regional Express service that includes 18 new limited-stop ST Express regional bus routes and numerous improvements to transit centers, park-and-ride lots and high-occupancy vehicle lanes throughout the region.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.