Adventure 37: Salt Lake Grande Central Station?

October 28, 2013

Adventure 37: Salt Lake Grande Central Station?

While driving around looking for studios during Design Week recently, I passed what looked like Salt Lake City's version of Grande Central Station. It's a hub for Amtrak, Greyhound, Frontrunner, and UTA. I couldn't believe this was the first time I happened upon this place, and right behind the Gateway at 250 S 600 W!

I decided I needed to stop by and take a look around when I had the time. Well, I finally did. Turns out, 'Salt Lake Central Intermodal Transportation Hub' is the official name. However, I'm going to go ahead and call it Salt Lake Grande Central.

Quite an open space upon entering.

I made this stop on a weekday around 4:00 P.M. For some reason all of the offices were closed, and gated up.

Which was disappointing, because I really wanted to talk to Amtrak about my ticketing options. I think a train ride to... say, Portland sounds fabulous!

There were people lounging throughout the station, seemingly waiting for their train or bus to arrive. There is plenty of space for people to spread out and wait.

This foreboding sign prohibits people who are not waiting for their connecting transport from using the facilities. I used the bathroom though, and no one stopped me.

Here was the real treat of the station. This branch of Canyon Sports is a hub for the SLC bike commuter.

Sponsored by Salt Lake City, UTA, UDOT, and a couple of others (who I can't quite make out from the picture I took), this shop allows bike commuters to park their bike in a safe place, shower, and head to work downtown. They also have bike rentals to use around the city. Don't forget the option of the GREENbike, SLC bike share. That's can be found here too.

In fact, the handsome, if scruffy, GREENbike head mechanic John Williams sometimes runs the shop here. You may remember the GREENbike, SLC bike share adventure from a previous post, click here for the full account.

John is very helpful, if you want to learn more, and join the growing number of SLC bike commuters, stop by and tell him I sent you. I won't get any kickback, he's just nice enough to help you anyway.

Behind this HUB are docks for all sorts of vehicles. Shuttles, buses, cabs, and more buses.

To the South of the HUB station are the connecting train tracks going any direction you could wish for.

I didn't see any Amtrak trains arrive while I was here, but several Frontrunner, and Trax trains made their stops.

The square is dotted with delightfully local art.

... and bikes and more bikes.

And of course, GREENbikes.

Across the street, there seems to be an effort by the city to create a more visually pleasing scene for the traveler coming through Salt Lake Grande Central (remember, not the official title.) The empty lot has been jazzed up with a couple of colorful murals, as well as three large pieces of art of objects in flight.

I stayed on the correct side of the chain for as long as I could. An iPhone camera is limited! Without a sophisticated zoom, sometimes a girl has to step over a chain and get better shots.

A closer look revealed the Rio Grande sign that sits on the other side of this building. Another illustration that a closer look at the city I thought I knew so well still has hidden treasures everywhere.