Construction cost: $6 Million
Area: 40,000 sf
Completed: 2004

Union Railroad Station in New London was among the last designs produced in H. H. Richardson’s office before his death in 1886. The building was completed by his successor firm, Shepley Rutan and Coolidge and opened in 1887. Its red brick and brownstone mass and enormous slate-covered, hipped roof still dominate the setting in spite of radical changes in its urban context. The station has remained in continuous use since 1888 in spite of changes in the railroad companies’ ownership. In 1975, amtrak and a restaurant tenant for the lower floors required significant alterations to Richardson’s grand waiting room.

In 2004, Bruner/Cott completed the building’s restoration. Using historic paint analysis we were able to recreate Richardson’s vibrant color scheme of deep red walls, shiny black window sashes and door trim, and natural oak wainscoat, ceiling and doors with a red-tinted glaze. We removed mezzanines to recreate double height spaces that existed until 1975. We also restored Richardson’s dramatic central bay window, as well as the building’s windows, exterior masonry, copper roof trim and gutters, and slate roof.

Ramps and doors that now afford full accessibility to the lower floors are part of the new design. The waiting room is lit and furnished to support a variety of public gatherings. Upper floors have been returned to office use while new retail tenants occupy space at each end of the ground floor.