St. Louis Union Station is a renowned historical landmark that stands as a testament to the grand architecture and bustling transportation hubs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As one of the most iconic stations in the United States, Union Station has undergone various transformations since its opening, yet one aspect of its design continues to stand out for its gothic charm—the Gothic Corridor. This corridor, with its ornate detailing, soaring arches, and dark atmosphere, is a captivating part of the building that has caught the attention of both architecture enthusiasts and visitors alike.
In this article, we will explore the significance of the Gothic Corridor at St. Louis Union Station, its architectural features, and the way it reflects the Gothic Revival style that became a defining feature of the station’s grandeur.
The History of St. Louis Union Station
Before diving into the details of the Gothic Corridor, it’s important to understand the historical context of St. Louis Union Station itself. Designed by the architectural firm Ingles, Williams & Hogg and built by the Terminal Railway Association of St. Louis, Union Station opened in 1894. At the time, it was one of the largest and most extravagant train stations in the world. With its combination of Romanesque Revival and Beaux-Arts styles, it embodied the optimism and opulence of the late 19th century.
For decades, Union Station served as the main railway terminal for the city of St. Louis, welcoming travelers from across the country. Its impressive structure featured a large main hall, grand staircases, and a number of elaborate corridors. Over time, however, the rise of automobile travel and air travel diminished the role of railroads, and Union Station eventually ceased its function as a major transportation hub. Today, the building serves as a mixed-use facility, with retail spaces, hotels, and entertainment venues.
The Gothic Revival Influence in the Corridor
The Gothic Corridor in St. Louis Union Station is one of the building’s most intriguing features. The corridor’s design is inspired by the Gothic Revival architectural style, which was popular in the mid-19th century and drew inspiration from the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate detailing of the medieval Gothic cathedrals of Europe.
Gothic Revival, which emerged as a reaction against the classical styles of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, sought to invoke the spirituality and drama of Gothic architecture while adapting it for modern construction techniques. This style was characterized by intricate detailing, verticality, and the use of pointed arches, tall windows, and vaulted ceilings.
In Union Station, the Gothic Corridor features many of these quintessential elements:
- Pointed arches: The arches in the corridor are sharply pointed, creating a sense of verticality and grandeur.
- Ribbed vaults: The ceiling of the corridor is adorned with ribbed vaults that echo the medieval cathedrals of Europe, adding both structural integrity and dramatic beauty to the space.
- Ornate stonework: The stonework is elaborately carved, with decorative patterns and motifs that give the corridor a sense of timeless elegance and weight.
- Tall, narrow windows: Some sections of the corridor have narrow windows with pointed tops, contributing to the ethereal and expansive atmosphere.
- Dark, rich materials: The use of dark woods, iron, and stone throughout the corridor adds to the moody and somewhat mysterious ambiance, perfectly aligning with the Gothic aesthetic.
This blend of grandeur, mystery, and craftsmanship makes the Gothic Corridor one of the most visually captivating parts of St. Louis Union Station.
The Architectural Features of the Gothic Corridor
The Gothic Corridor stands as a showpiece of the Gothic Revival style, demonstrating the intricate detail and skillful craftsmanship that went into the design of Union Station. Several features of the corridor stand out for their uniqueness and beauty.
1. The High, Vaulted Ceiling
One of the most striking aspects of the Gothic Corridor is its high, vaulted ceiling, which features ribbed arches that stretch upward, creating a sense of both grandeur and lightness. This design is inspired by the medieval cathedrals that were known for their awe-inspiring, towering interiors. The ceiling of the Gothic Corridor was crafted to evoke the feeling of a sacred space, with its soaring height and intricate patterns on the ribbed vaults.
The use of vaulting also allowed for the inclusion of decorative stonework, creating a visual spectacle that complements the overall design of the corridor.
2. The Elaborate Carvings and Ornamentation
The stonework in the Gothic Corridor is some of the finest in St. Louis Union Station. The intricate carvings that line the walls and arches are emblematic of the craftsmanship of the late 19th century, with flourishes and patterns that reflect the Gothic style’s emphasis on decoration and detail. The motifs used in the corridor often include elements from nature, such as floral patterns, heraldic symbols, and religious iconography, all contributing to the rich and layered design of the space.
3. The Lighting Fixtures
The lighting fixtures along the Gothic Corridor further enhance the gothic atmosphere. Historically, Union Station was lit by gas lamps and chandeliers, but modern lighting now replaces the original gas lighting. Nonetheless, the contemporary lighting retains the warm, golden hue that complements the dark wood and stone, adding to the corridor’s dramatic ambiance. The chandeliers are often large and ornate, with ironwork that reflects the medieval roots of the Gothic Revival style.
4. Pointed Windows and Ironwork Details
The windows in the Gothic Corridor are designed with pointed arches, a signature feature of Gothic architecture. These narrow, tall windows stretch toward the ceiling and, historically, allowed light to filter through, illuminating the stonework and creating shifting shadows throughout the space. While some of the original windows have been replaced or altered over time, the overall design still retains much of its Gothic character.
Ironwork elements, such as railings and fixtures, feature intricate detailing, adding to the overall ornate and vertical aesthetic of the corridor.
5. The Atmosphere: A Sense of Mystery
Walking through the Gothic Corridor is like stepping into a different time and place. The combination of the high ceilings, dark wood, intricate carvings, and ironwork creates an atmosphere that is both grand and mysterious. The corridor feels like a place of transition—a liminal space where one might pause and contemplate before continuing on their journey. This is one of the reasons the Gothic Corridor is so compelling: it evokes a sense of awe and wonder, but also a touch of darkness, making it a perfect example of Gothic architecture’s emotional power.
Modern Use and Preservation
Today, the Gothic Corridor remains one of the most visually impressive parts of Union Station. While the station itself has been repurposed into a mixed-use complex with shops, restaurants, and a hotel, the gothic elements of the corridor have been carefully preserved and restored to maintain their historical integrity. The continued attention to its preservation ensures that future generations can experience the grandeur and mystery of this unique architectural feature.
Union Station itself has also undergone significant renovations and changes over the years, including the addition of a new hotel complex, but the Gothic Corridor remains a focal point of the building’s historical significance. The preservation of this corridor helps to maintain a connection to the rich architectural history of the station and serves as a reminder of the power of Gothic design to capture the imagination.
A Timeless Symbol of Architectural Mastery
St. Louis Union Station’s Gothic Corridor stands as a lasting testament to the Gothic Revival style and the vision of the architects who designed the station. Its towering ceilings, intricate carvings, and dramatic lighting create a space that is both awe-inspiring and haunting, drawing visitors into a world of mystery and architectural grandeur.
The corridor’s design reflects the rich history of St. Louis Union Station, a place that once served as a bustling hub of travel and commerce but now exists as a preserved piece of American architectural history. The Gothic Corridor, in particular, continues to capture the imagination of those who walk through it, offering a glimpse into a time when architecture was designed not just for function but for the creation of an atmosphere that evoked awe, wonder, and a sense of the sublime. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to admire its beauty, the Gothic Corridor remains one of the standout features of St. Louis Union Station—a place where the past and the present meet in dramatic, gothic style.